Atlanta Jewish Times, Vol. XCIII No. 33, August 24, 2018

NEXT WEEK: ATLANTA THEN & NOW

VOL. XCIII NO. 33

AUGUST 24, 2018 | 13 ELUL 5778

SUMMER SIMCHAS

Fox Theatre: Making Simcha Magic Since 1929 COVER STORY, PAGES 18-19

VIGIL FOR JENNA

SHEARITH ISRAEL HOSTS PRAYERS FOR VAN GELDEREN ON ANNIVERSARY OF DISAPPEARANCE. PAGE 5

JUSTICE FOR FRANK? AJT REFLECTS ON LEO FRANK'S LYNCHING WITH MEMORIAL PLAQUE'S RETURN. PAGES 6-7

JEWS BEHIND THE NEWS GET TO KNOW THE AJC'S POLITICAL REPORTER, GREG BLUESTEIN, FAMILY MAN & "ASPIRING MENSCH." PAGE 34

Vicki & Ryan Holzer August 22, 2015

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Contributors This Week BREANNA WEST BOB BAHR DAVE SCHECHTER LOGAN C. RITCHIE MARCIA CALLER JAFFE PATRICE WORTHY SARAH MOOSAZADEH SHAINDLE SCHMUCKLER SHELLY DANZ Copy Editor & Contributor

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Havin' A Gala Jewish milestones are a reason to celebrate at every stage, whether it’s a baby naming, b’nai mitzvah or wedding.

We give you the tools to choose a theme, plan a memorable event, or otherwise benefit from the experiences of families we spotlight in our simcha issue.

We take you inside the historic Fox Theatre where you will learn more about its classic design and Jewish history. Affairs to Remember, co-founded by Jewish Atlantan Ron Lazarus, is the official caterer for events in the theater and has cooked up a new menu.

If you want to get out of town for a destination celebration, our staffers Jen Evans and Michal Bonell review the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa with its PGA tour championship golf course and Heavenly-brand amenities.

THIS WEEK As an extension of our Bukharian synagogue story from last week, we highlight a very elaborate Bukharian wedding for 300 guests with traditional garb, dancing and delicacies.

In another type of milestone, we commemorate the 103rd anniversary of the Leo Frank lynching with a brief history, timeline, and editorials.

Whether it’s past or present history, we have the scoop. Our new Jews in the News series begins with a Q&A with Greg Bluestein, political reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. In other political news, one of the world’s experts on the Muslim Brotherhood lets us in on the mysterious world of the Islamic movement she’s studied first-hand.

To wrap it up, columnist Shaindle Schmuckler shares her camp misadventures, which didn’t deter her from securing a future husband and a longtime career in camp leadership. ■

CONTENTS LOCAL NEWS ���������������������������������� 4 REFLECTIONS ��������������������������������� 7 BUSINESS ����������������������������������������� 8 ISRAEL NEWS ������������������������������� 12 EDITORIAL ������������������������������������� 14 OPINION ����������������������������������������� 16 SIMCHAS ���������������������������������������� 17 COVER STORY ������������������������������ 18 SPOTLIGHT ����������������������������������� 32 COMMUNITY ��������������������������������� 35 CALENDAR ������������������������������������� 38 DINING �������������������������������������������� 40 KEEPING IT KOSHER ������������������ 42 BRAIN FOOD ���������������������������������� 44 OBITUARIES ���������������������������������� 45 MARKETPLACE ���������������������������� 46 CLOSING THOUGHTS ����������������� 47

Corrections and Clarifications: Synagogue Guide published Aug. 17, 2018: Temple Sinai’s 9 a.m. Rosh Hashanah day service and Yom Kippur 3:30 p.m. service are not open to the public. The services open to the community at no cost include the 8 p.m. Erev Rosh Hashanah service, 9 a.m. second day Rosh Hashanah service and 5 p.m. Yom Kippur Yizkor and Ne’ilah service.

Congregation Shaarei Shamayim’s correct website address is: www.shaareishamayim.com

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The Temple has an additional service time available on both Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur at 11:30 a.m. It is open to the community. No cost for visitor tickets.

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equal opportunity employer. The opinions expressed in the Atlanta Jewish Times do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper. Periodicals Postage Paid at Atlanta, Ga. POSTMASTER send address changes to Atlanta Jewish Times 270 Carpenter Drive Suite 320, Atlanta Ga 30328.

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LOCAL NEWS Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Director Retires

By Logan C. Ritchie After 22 years with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the executive director of the Georgia chapter retired last month.

Under the foundation, she established the first summer camp for children with inflammatory bowel disease, and increased fundraising and the involvement of Georgia doctors.

Marcia Greenburg Davis, who lives with Crohn’s disease, attributes the core values of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to her long career with the organization. “I felt continually motivated and inspired because the work is exciting. There are new discoveries all the time. Every day we get closer to finding a cure for Crohn’s and colitis.”

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases. According to the Center for Disease Control, 3 million adults in the United States have been diagnosed with IBD. Crohn’s disease is four to five times more prevalent in the Ashkenazi population than in the general population.

4 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Marcia Greenburg Davis, retired executive director of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Georgia chapter, and Andrew Goldberg, board president, worked to include more medical professionals in the organization.

As a volunteer in 1986, Davis and her friend, Sherri Wildstein, established the Georgia chapter to support people living with IBD. Davis said she recognized a need for local support groups because six of her family members also live with Crohn’s disease.

She had no aspirations to work for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation; she was

From left: Georgia Chapter Past President Michael Weinberg with volunteers Roberta Sirzyk, Steve Morris, Barb Mays and Sam and Gina Shapiro.

working for a nonprofit and enjoyed volunteering. But in 1996, Davis was asked to step in as the chapter’s executive director. Soon after, Wildstein became the board of trustees’ president.

Davis enthusiastically jumped into her role. In 1997, she perceived a gap in care and founded what is believed to be the first summer camp in the country for children living with IBD. With just 14 children and Pediatric Gastroenterologist Stanley Cohen, Camp Oasis was born.

The co-ed residential summer camp concept spread nationwide. Today 1,000 pediatric IBD patients attend 10 camps across the country. Locally, it is held at Camp Twin Lakes in Rutledge, Ga. “Living with IBD can be isolating and lonely. Kids want to go to camp just like anybody else,” said Karen Rittenbaum, the foundation’s Southeast regional director.

Campers gather for a transformational week with medical staff and volunteer counselors, many of whom live with IBD as well.

“Marcia was driven to make an impact on the IBD community, locally and nationally. She engaged the medical community in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. Marcia’s passion created deep, longlasting relationships,” Rittenbaum said.

Davis increased involvement of Savannah and Atlanta-area medical professionals to create educational programming and serve as board members. They include Jewish doctors Douglas Wolf, medical advisory committee member, Larry Saripkin, Camp Oasis director, and Philip Spandorfer, pediatrician.

When Davis became executive director of the Georgia chapter, one of 40 in

the U.S., it was pulling in about $325,000 a year in fundraising. Currently, the Georgia chapter raises about $2 million a year and is one of the top 10 highestproducing chapters in the U.S. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation fundraising dollars go to research, advancing treatments, patient education and support programs. “As the organization grew, the work became more expansive.

The more discoveries were made in research, the more inspiring it was for me.

When I started, I knew the mission was to find a cure, but I didn’t know what that looked like. I didn’t have it in my mind that it could happen in my lifetime. The more discoveries, the more treatments, the more motivation I had,” Davis said.

Rittenbaum and Davis worked together for nearly 20 years, and have known each other for 30. Talking to the two women, it is clear their friendship goes beyond the walls of the office.

Rittenbaum described Davis’ talents: A compassionate, community builder who knows how to connect.

“I learned at the foot of the master and it was my privilege to work with her every day. She was my coach and mentor.

She taught me how to listen, how to connect.”

Davis was a highly respected executive director who impacted Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation from coast to coast.

“Sometimes people don’t feel that their $25 donation makes much of an impact. It does. We thank people for being a part of the greater community. Marcia lived that every day she led this chapter.

It was infused into staff, events and fundraising,” Rittenbaum said. ■

LOCAL NEWS

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By Breanna West It’s been one year since the disappearance of now 26-year-old Jenna Van Gelderen. To mark the occasion, her parents, Roseanne and Leon, along with their son, Will, held a prayer vigil Aug. 19 at Congregation Shearith Israel. About 100 people from the community attended, including close friends of the family.

Jenna was reported missing on Aug. 19, 2017. She was house-sitting at her parent’s home in Druid Hills while her parents were vacationing in Canada. Her brother came home to find Jenna’s 2010 blue Mazda gone, the house locked, the TV on and the cat not fed.

The prayer vigil was led by Rabbi Ari Kaiman. “Today we gather to stand in solidarity with the Van Gelderen family to return once again to the soul of the community and know that they are not standing alone through this impossible journey.”

Also in attendance was Rev. Markel Hutchins, who led a prayer, and DeKalb County Police Chief James W. Conroy.

Both Roseanne and Leon made speeches to the community at the bima. “Life has moved forward, but I am in a time warp regarding Jenna,” Roseanne said.

She expressed gratitude to the community for its support, from forming search parties to handing out missing person flyers.

“Every day I feel sad. Every day I feel anxious not knowing where Jenna is and wondering what else I can do to find her,” she said.

“Do I talk about Jenna in the present or do I speak of her in the past? This is the awful ambivalence we live. I choose today to speak of her in the present.”

Leon has been an attorney for 32 years and said he is now Jenna’s advocate. He expressed frustration with the police proceedings of his daughter’s case and relayed

Leon Van Gelderen, Jenna’s father, speaks to the community.

If you have any information that would help the search effort, contact DeKalb Police Chief James W. Conroy at 770-724-7440, DeKalb Police Department, 770-724-7475 or Crime Stoppers, 404-577-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

his family’s efforts in finding Jenna. “I leave to all of you, Chief Conroy and G-d to figure out what needs to be done here.”

Conroy addressed the community and Jenna’s family. “DeKalb county police department stays committed to finding Jenna and we will exhaust every lead until she is found and until we find and determine the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.”

The one-year anniversary “brings a renewed focus and renewed attention and renewed hope in finding Jenna,” he said.

Conroy called for continual community involvement, which includes posting flyers online and around Atlanta and reporting any tips or information to DeKalb county police. “Encourage everyone you speak to to come forward,” he said. The reward is set at $25,000.

Kaiman announced his pledge of $1,000 to Jenna’s reward fund and asked for the community to contribute money, for furthering search efforts, to a desired amount of $36,000. This amount is significant because, in Judaism, “36 is double chai.

Double life.” He welcomed donors to come to the synagogue and talk to him directly about monetary contribution, which he considers a “community obligation.”

Margie Osheroff has been a long-time friend to Roseanne and has helped get the word out about Jenna’s disappearance.

“This is the worst kind of pain a family can have. It’s different than a death because you’re straddling both worlds and you don’t know what to adjust to.”

Linda Weiskoff, a close friend to Roseanne and Leon, said “this is the most horrible thing that could ever happen.” When asked how she lends support to Roseanne, she said “I call more than I used to and we stay in touch. We share happy moments and we share difficult moments.” ■

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LOCAL NEWS

Historical Marker of Leo Frank Returns

By Logan C. Ritchie lritchie@atljewishtimes.com A historical marker commemorating the 1915 lynching of Leo Frank is returning after four years of absence.

The sign was removed by the Georgia Department of Transportation during a construction project at Roswell Road and Freys Gin Road, two miles east of the Marietta Square. It is positioned across the street from Frank’s lynching site. A rededication ceremony was held Thursday, Aug. 23.

Aug. 17 marked the 103rd anniversary of Frank’s death. Convicted for killing 13-year-old employee Mary Phagan at the National Pencil Company, Frank was jailed in Milledgeville. The Jewish New York native was sentenced to death.

Gov. John M. Slaton conducted his own investigation and commuted Frank to a life sentence. In turn, citizens of Atlanta rioted. Kidnapped from jail by a lynch mob, Frank was hung from a tree in one of Georgia’s most harrowing acts of anti-Semitism.

The testimony of Alonzo Mann in 1982, 69 years after the lynching, prompted an official pardon of Leo Frank by

The current memorial plaque regarding Frank's lynching stands at Roswell Road, across from Frey’s Gin Court, near The Big Chicken.

Leo Frank’s home in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Aug. 20, 1915).

Front page of the West Virginian newspaper.

Frank’s case made national news.

the State Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Mann witnessed Jim Conley carrying the body of Mary Phagan to the factory basement on the day of her death. Conley threatened Mann, who kept quiet until he reached his deathbed at 83 years old.

Also remembering the Leo Frank case are the William Breman Jewish Heritage Museum and Marietta Museum of History. The Atlanta museums plan to commemorate Frank with a lecture by legal expert Van Pearlberg in June 2019.

Deputy Attorney General and former

Marietta City Councilman, Pearlberg is one of the foremost experts on the Frank case.

Here is a timeline of the events that led to Frank’s death: April 26, 1913: Mary Phagan, 13, is found sexually molested and murdered at the National Pencil Factory in Atlanta’s Grant Park neighborhood. She is buried in Marietta City Cemetery.

April 27, 1913: Newt Lee, factory watchman, is arrested on suspicion of murder.

May 1, 1913: Jim Conley, a black janitor at the National Pencil Company, is arrested after he was found rinsing his bloodied shirt.

May 23, 1913: Leo Frank is indicted for murder.

July 28, 1913: Frank’s trial begins.

August 25, 1913: After the trial concludes, a jury finds Frank guilty in less than two hours.

August 26, 1913: Frank is sentenced to execution by hanging, to take place Oct. 10, 1913.

October 1913: In the wake of Frank’s conviction, the Anti-Defamation League is formed to defend civil rights and social justice.

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August 1913 to June 1915: Frank’s legal team files dozens of appeals, all of which are denied.

April 9, 1915: The US Supreme Court rejects the final appeal and Frank’s execution is set for June 22, 1915.

June 20, 1915: Gov. John M. Slaton grants a commutation of Frank from death penalty to life in prison.

July 18, 2015: Frank is attacked by fellow prisoner William Creen.

July 2015: Georgia’s populist leader and bigoted newsman, Thomas E. Watson, forms the Knights of Mary Phagan.

Thousands of Jewish residents escape the city because police refuse to stop the lynch mob. Atop Stone Mountain, the group revived the Klu Klux Klan.

August 16-17, 1915: A mob cuts the electricity to the prison and kidnaps Frank, drives him to Marietta, Phagan’s hometown, and hangs him from an oak tree. He is buried in Glendale, N.Y. November 2, 1920: Watson is elected to U.S. Senate.

March 4, 1982: On his deathbed, Alonzo Mann confesses he saw Jim Conley moving Mary Phagan’s body to the basement of the National Pencil Factory on the day of her death.

March 11, 1986: The Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles grants Frank a posthumous pardon. ■

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REFLECTIONS It’s Time: Justice for Leo Frank and Mary Phagan

By Erin Miller Leo Frank was innocent, and it’s time the state of Georgia said so – publicly and without caveat. Until then, there will be no justice – for Frank or for Mary Phagan – whose gruesome deaths reverberate even today.

I don’t remember how I came upon the Frank case, but I vividly recall the punch to the gut I felt as I read about little Mary’s murder. I remember seeing pictures of the 13-year-old, and lamenting the death of the innocent child who was assaulted and killed in the basement of Atlanta’s National Pencil Factory on Confederate Memorial Day, 1913. As I read, I remember hoping with all my heart that her killer would be brought to justice…

Infuriatingly, he wasn’t.

Instead, an innocent man – Frank – was convicted, kidnapped from prison late at night, and lynched by an antiSemitic mob that included prominent Atlanta-area citizens.

Pictures of the lynching and pieces of Frank’s clothing were then sold as souvenirs.

Many Georgians have never heard of the Frank case, never seen the memorial plaque that hides by the highway near The Big Chicken, never been to the

grave of Phagan, who rests in Marietta City Cemetery. But from 1913 to 1915, the case was the most notorious in the U.S., making national headlines and fanning the flames of anti-Semitism that would ultimately cause half of Georgia’s Jews to flee the state.

The case gave rise to the Anti-Defamation League, and spanned the resurgence of the KKK, as the “Knights of Mary Phagan,” clad in white robes, ascended Stone Mountain to burn a cross that could be seen for miles. It was a terrifying omen of the decades of racial prejudice, hatred and violence to come.

But you won’t read about the ADL or the KKK on the memorial plaques. The markers won’t tell you about Jim Conley – Phagan’s true killer – whose testimony was so unreliable that his own defense attorney, William Smith, spent the remainder of his life decrying the Frank verdict and working to prove Conley’s guilt.

The markers don’t tell you that, in the 1980s, factory employee Alonzo Mann came forward, admitting he witnessed Conley carrying an unconscious Phagan to the basement. They won’t tell you that Conley threatened to kill Mann if he spoke out, and that Mann, being only a child at the time, was terrified into

silence.

The plaques won’t tell you that that then-Gov. John Slaton reviewed the case and sacrificed his own political career by commuting Frank’s sentence. Or that, for his heroic act, Slaton was threatened by an angry mob, the Georgia National Guard had to intervene, and Slaton and his family fled Georgia.

Slaton’s marker now stands at the Atlanta History Center. But nowhere on it will you read about Frank’s innocence.

Why? Because, to this day, on the 103rd anniversary of the Frank lynching – with historians in near-universal agreement that Conley murdered Phagan – Georgia still refuses to acknowledge Frank’s innocence or name his murderers, which include: Joseph Mackey Brown, former governor of Georgia; Eugene Herbert Clay, former mayor of Marietta and president of the Georgia Senate; E. P. Dobbs, mayor of Marietta at the time; Moultrie McKinney Sessions, lawyer and banker; members of the Marietta delegation at Governor Slaton’s clemency hearing; and several Cobb County sheriffs.

Mann’s testimony secured Frank a posthumous pardon in 1986, but even the pardon refuses to absolve Frank, saying

only that the state failed to protect Frank or bring his killers to justice.

I never met Frank or Phagan, but their deaths affect me as a Jew, as a woman, as a citizen of Georgia, and as a human being.

Justice was denied to both. But this is a wrong we can right.

I reached out to the Georgia Historical Society, asking the plaques be changed to reflect Frank’s innocence, Conley’s guilt, and the complicity of Georgia’s leadership in the notorious lynching. The Society said citizens can apply for a marker at Stone Mountain, discussing the Knights of Mary Phagan and the Frank lynching, and at the National Pencil Factory site in Atlanta by filling out an application, bit.ly/GA-historical-markers.

In addition, we can contact our representatives, and encourage the state to fully acknowledge these painful truths.

Acting together, we can show Georgia is learning from the past, rather than continuing to repeat it. It’s time. ■ Erin Miller is an award-winning journalist, who has written for numerous local and national publications. Since becoming ill in 2015, she has been active in the chronic illness community, and her work is frequently featured on TheMighty.com.

Falsely Convicted, Wantonly Murdered

By Rabbi Steven Lebow There is no statute of limitations on doing the right thing. Which leads, perforce, to the case of Leo Frank.

Frank, the superintendent of the National Pencil Factory, was accused of murdering 13-year-old Mary Phagan in 1913.

On Confederate Memorial Day that spring, Phagan had taken the trolley to midtown Atlanta to collect her paycheck.

She was never seen alive again. Her lifeless body was found at the bottom of an elevator shaft in the factory. The last man to remember seeing her there was Leo Frank, a transplanted New Yorker, living in the South.

At first the Atlanta police arrested a half-dozen men whom they thought had committed the crime. Lacking any evidence, the police released all of the suspects they were holding. Without a suspect, the Atlanta police turned their gaze upon Frank. As a Jew from Brooklyn, he must have seemed a suspicious outsider.

Frank had an alibi and there was no forensic evidence to tie him to the crime.

There were no witnesses to the murder

until Jim Conley, the factory janitor, who had been an early suspect, claimed he had seen Leo Frank with the lifeless body of Mary Phagan.

At the Frank trial, the Fulton County prosecutor produced a few female witnesses who claimed that Frank had once ogled them. The witnesses had been coached by the Atlanta police, and under cross examination, they eventually recanted.

The Leo Frank trial and its appeal dragged through the courts for two years.

The case went as high as the U.S. Supreme Court, where three of the judges, the minority, argued that Frank should be set free and all charges dropped.

After his appeals were exhausted, Frank was scheduled for execution in 1915. Behind the scenes, the lawyer for Jim Conley came forward and declared it was his own client, and not Frank, who was guilty of the crime!

Frank’s capital murder conviction was upheld until Governor John Slaton commuted his sentence to life imprisonment, hoping to stall for more time for Frank’s appeals.

As is well known, that time never

came. Frank was lynched on August 17, 1915.

Twenty years ago, I was approached by some native Mariettans to help identify the actual spot where Frank was lynched. Through research and interviews, I was able to successfully identify, for the first time, the actual lynching spot of Leo Frank.

On that site I placed a small yahrzeit plaque for Frank. That historic site has now been eclipsed by a new overpass for I-75.

Due to the influence of Jerry Klinger, the president of the Jewish American Society for Historic Preservation, a new Frank memorial marker was placed across the street from where the lynching occurred.

Present at the service was Dale Schwartz, the attorney who (along with the late Charles Wittenstein) argued on behalf of the Anti-Defamation League for the “provisional pardon” granted to Frank in 1984 by the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Without the leadership of Jerry Klinger, the lynch site would probably have been obscured to history. And with-

out the courage of Dale Schwartz, there would probably never have been any kind of pardon give to Frank.

And yet, every time that Klinger and Schwartz gather with me near the lynch site, there is only one question that still haunts us.

Leo Frank was innocent. When will the state of Georgia, its governor or its legislators, acknowledge that one simple truth?

As I wrote on the original Leo Frank plaque that stood at the site for 20 years, Leo Frank: Falsely accused, Wrongly convicted, Wantonly murdered.

For the last 20 years I have stood at the site of Frank’s lynching, offering up a modest kaddish for a man caught up in the racism and anti-Semitism of the time. I intend to be present for another 20 years.

Who knows? Perhaps by then Leo Frank will be exonerated and declared innocent of all charges. There is, after all, no statute of limitations on doing the right thing. ■ Lebow is the senior rabbi of Temple Kol Emeth in Marietta.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 7

BUSINESS Creating Connected Communities Gets Co-Executive Director Dara Grant joined Creating Connected Communities as co-executive director with founder Amy Sacks Zeide on Aug. 13. Zeide said the decision to share the executive director role came out of strategic planning last year. “In order to maintain a growth plan and scale the organization, the operation side needed to be formalized.”

Grant will serve as chief operations officer while Zeide will serve as chief program officer.

“I hope to be able to blend my knowledge from the corporate world with my years of volunteer experience with other leading organizations to help CCC continue to engage more Jewish teens and serve more children and families in need,” said Grant, who has known Zeide since high school.

Amy Zeide gets help from Dara Grant Grant has volunteered with Amy’s as new co-executive director.

Holiday Party, CCC’s most well-known event, since it began in 1995. She plans to address operations and finance for CCC and share fundraising and marketing responsibilities.

Grant comes to CCC from The Coca-Cola Company, where she oversaw workplace projects across North America, including the end-to-end process of opening new Coca-Cola offices.

Her leadership in the Jewish community includes serving with the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and the Marcus JCC. She serves as co-chair of the membership committee at the MJCCA and is a member of the Federation’s National Young Leadership Cabinet. She has volunteered with the JFGA for nearly 15 years, including

8 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

overseeing events, serving as a member of the Young Leadership Executive Board, cochairing the women’s philanthropy pomegranate campaign, and participating on the allocations committee.

CCC’s mission is to bring life-enhancing programs to children in need by empowering teens to become engaged community leaders and volunteers. Each year, more than 80 teens in CCC’s Leadership Development Program plan and implement nine community programs for thousands of children in need while learning valuable leadership skills such as fundraising, public speaking and program planning. Through their programs, children receive thousands of gifts, meals, books and personal care products. They participate in such activities as outdoor festivals, carnivals, craft projects and DJ dance parties, with the help of more than 700 teen volunteers.

The leadership development program is expanding in January from Congregation B’nai Torah, where 80 teens are served, to the northern suburbs. ■

Social Entrepreneurs Use Jewish Values In Business Atlanta Jewish innovators from the Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta were inspired recently by Christian social entrepreneurs who weaved Jewish wisdom into their businesses. The Learning Journey, organized by Jodi Mansbach, JFGA chief impact officer, brought the Jewish group to Plywood Presents earlier this month for the annual gathering of Plywood People, an Atlanta nonprofit that drives startups dedicated to good works. Plywood Presents was held Aug. 1-2 at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

The Jewish group heard from Sackcloth & Ashes, a company founded by a gentile that sells blankets to benefit local homeless shelters. The company name

Atlanta Jewish innovators attended Plywood Presents, which aims to empower entrepreneurs.

BUSINESS was inspired by Jewish mourning rituals. The Christian founder of Charity: Water, which provides clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries, ended his presentation with a quote from Pirkei Avot, which means chapters of the fathers.

Some of the lessons from the event were: partner with like-minded companies; and have a short tagline and a simple story.

The Plywood People stories and pitches are a great model for the Jewish community, Mansbach stated in the JFGA’s Aug. 14 newsletter. “They’re showcasing people who are trying to solve big and small challenges in our world. I love the optimism, creativity and support of this community.” ■

Company That Owns Harlem Globetrotters Expands Herschend Enterprises, which owns the Harlem Globetrotters, announced a new operating company on Aug. 15. Herschend Live is the fourth operating company under Norcross-based Herschend Enterprises, a family entertainment company that owns theme parks such as Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo., and Dollywood in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. The new entity is focused on sports and live entertainment.

The Harlem Globetrotters, started and formerly owned by Abe Saperstein, was the first Herschend-owned property under the Live banner.

Herschend companies manage family entertainment outlets ranging from theme parks around the United States to digital entertainment.

“As global leaders in live entertainment we look forward to applying our expertise and business platform to new and innovative touring experiences,” said Howard Smith, Harlem Globetrotters president, who will lead the new division in a dual role. “We will look to acquire or manage other live event properties under the success of the Globetrotter model on a global level.”

Herschend CEO Andrew Wexler said the success of the Harlem Globetrotters served as the inspiration for the new initiative. Herschend bought the Globetrotters in 2013. The team, known for its basketball acrobatics and antics, has entertained more than 148 million fans in 123 countries and territories for the past 92 years.

Herschend has more than 10,000 employees who create, develop and operate entertainment, tourism and hospitality properties in 23 locations in six states. ■

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Atlanta’s Latest Tool to Address Addiction and Mental Health

By Leah R. Harrison The Blue Dove Foundation was first envisioned by Justin Milrad, Alyza Berman and Daniel Epstein of The Berman Center to help support their intensive outpatient work in Atlanta. They understood that cost is often a barrier to treatment, and there is a need for practical tools and further education around the issues of mental health and addiction.

The foundation’s three-part mission is: • Education, awareness and outreach within the Jewish community, to advance the conversation, eliminate the stigma and shame, encourage conversations, and provide information and tools for individuals and families seeking assistance; • Benevolent assistance such as scholarships or interest-free loans, for treatment for those who cannot afford; • Prototype programs in the community to address issues related to mental health and/or substance abuse, such as development of a “Jewish” mental health toolkit for synagogues, schools, camps and youth groups; or placing mental health experts in schools and camps.

After receiving nonprofit designation in April, the new foundation is in growth and development mode, said Milrad, The Blue Dove has already begun an impactful agenda of community programming and has created a framework of useful resources, and is now seeking more funding and community partners.

The foundation is receiving widespread support. “Blue Dove is for the community and by the community,” Milrad said. The nonprofit is in talks with Jewish Interest Free Loans of Atlanta to guarantee zero interest loans, and is seeking further support for scholarships in cases of extreme hardship.

After the resounding response Blue Dove received as exhibitors at the 2017 URJ Biennial, they knew they must extend outside of the community. “We realized we have to do something beyond Atlanta, so that everyone could participate and ben-

efit,” Milrad said. The foundation will expand across the U.S. and Canada next year so that any Jewish person can receive treatment. All programs can be downloaded from the foundation website and can be edited for use in other markets.

Relationships with larger Jewish foundations will also advance program development and provide funds needed for treatment at any reputable facility anywhere in the country.

Although completely separate, the Blue Dove logo is akin to the original Berman Center artwork. The bird in the new foundation logo (pictured) symbolizes the dove released by Noah in Genesis 8:11.

Tasked with finding land after the flood, the dove returned with an olive leaf, a sign of hope following devastation. The dove also represents a deep, abiding peace that calms and provides purpose.

Continuing the creativity, Blue Dove produced t-shirts for a strong team showing in the recent Peachtree Road Race on the Fourth of July. A jewelry line is in development to raise funds and help identify allies for anyone struggling with mental health or addiction issues, and special kippot have been produced as part of the Blue Dove Foundation High Holidays Initiative.

“Atlanta is getting yet another tool to help combat addiction and mental illness,” Milrad said. “You could look at The Blue Dove Foundation as a community asset – an open resource that anyone can access.”

When asked how the community has responded to the national mental illness and addiction crises, Milrad said he’s glad “that we, as a Jewish community, are talking about, and acting on it. We’re only halfa-mile into a full marathon, but we’re making great progress.” ■ For more information or to support Blue Dove, go to https://thebluedovefoundation.org, email info@thebluedovefoundation.org, or call 678-786-1213.

Watch for information on new Blue Dove community resources and more signature “Quieting the Silence” around mental illness and substance abuse events in upcoming issues of the AJT.

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ISRAEL PRIDE

Online medical service for Arab diabetics is believed to be the first of its kind in Israel.

Israel Offers Online Medical Help to Arab Diabetics

already manages 35 online medical communities in Israel in Hebrew, laid the groundwork for Sehatuna after receiving multiple requests from users to establish a diabetes community for Arabic speakers.

The Middle East has displayed the second-highest rate of increases in diabetes anywhere in the world, and Sehatuna has the potential to serve millions of Arabic speakers from Middle Eastern and North African countries.

Israel’s Gertner Institute at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv this month launched Sehatuna (“our health,” in Arabic), an online platform dedicated to providing medical support and guidance on diabetes.

In what is believed to be a first-ofits-kind virtual community, functioning in Arabic, the site will assist in consultations with Israeli medical professionals, connect diabetes patients from all over the world, and feature a variety of articles on nutrition, medicine and new diabetes treatments.

The site has already attracted more than 4,500 visitors from a range of Arab countries, including Iraq, Jordan and Egypt.

Sehatuna was established with support from the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Regional Cooperation. The Gertner Institute, which

Israel Credit Rating Improves

Today in Israeli History

abstentions. The law, which goes into effect Dec. 1, 1954, sets up the Bank of Israel as the central financial authority for the country. The bank is allocated 10 million pounds as its initial capital.

Aug. 25, 1918: Leonard Bernstein, one of the most prolific composers and conductors in American history, is born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Ukrainian-Jewish parents. His music is deeply in-

Aug. 24, 1954: The Knesset passes the Bank of Israel Law on a 55-0 vote with 14

Standard and Poor’s global credit rating agency has upgraded Israel from A+ to -AA, the highest rating Israel has ever earned, putting it on par with the Czech Republic and Qatar.

The new rating, released earlier this month, is a very significant achievement for the Israeli economy and indicates confidence in the government’s ability to maintain a responsible fiscal policy, Ynet News reported. The high rating will allow the government to raise funds under better terms.

Raising the rating puts Israel among a relatively small list of 17 countries, ranking it above China and Japan.

S&P analysts noted the success of Israel’s government, despite internal coalition differences, in passing the 2017-2018 budget as well as the one for 2019, and

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Israel’s credit rating is on the rise.

more importantly, its success in maintaining fiscal discipline, Ynet reported.

S&P’s announcement came days after global ratings agency Moody’s changed Israel’s outlook from “stable” to “positive,” and affirmed its A1 credit rating.

The Moody’s report, issued last month, noted the improved economic and diplomatic ties with the moderate Arab states, and said the agency may upgrade Israel’s credit rating again in the near future. Moody’s cited the country's solid fiscal performance and economic resilience.

Israel to Help Thailand Protect Itself From Cyber Attacks Israeli cybersecurity experts will help Thailand protect its critical infrastructure from the threat of cyber attacks, the Bangkok Post reported earlier this month.

Israel’s embassy in the country refluenced by his Boston synagogue, where he also is introduced to Zionism.

Aug. 26, 1903: “The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,” the most widely distributed anti-Semitic publication in history, is first published in Znamya, a Russian newspaper. Plagiarizing the dialogue from an 1864 political satire by Maurice Joly, “Dialogue in Hell Between Machiavelli and Montesquieu,” the pamphlet most likely was written in the late 19th century in Paris.

Aug. 27, 1892: The first passenger train arrives in Jerusalem from Jaffa as part of the first railroad project in the Ottoman-controlled Levant, the JaffaJerusalem railway line. The 53-mile rail route reduces travel time from the port to Jerusalem from two days to four hours.

Aug. 28, 1898: The Second Zionist Congress convenes in Basel, Switzerland, with 400 delegates, nearly double the size of the First Zionist Congress a year earlier. The new participants include Theodor Herzl’s father, Jakob, and Chaim Weizmann.

Aug. 29, 1967: The Fourth Arab League Summit convenes in Khartoum,

cently hosted the “Israel Cyber Security Roadshow 2018,” in which 12 Israeli companies showcased their capabilities and marketed them to potential Thai buyers.

Thailand is the 22nd most committed country in terms of ensuring cybersecurity, and third in the Asian region after Singapore and Malaysia, according to the Global Cybersecurity Index, a multi-stakeholder initiative to measure the commitment of countries to cybersecurity.

The Jewish state is considered a global leader in the cyber security business.

Israel, which has the world’s 100thlargest population, signed the secondlargest number of cybersecurity deals internationally, according to a report

by New York data firm CB Insights published in April.

The top dealmaker was United States, signing 69 percent of all global deals from 2013 to 2017.

Israel grabbed 7 percent, ahead of the United Kingdom with 6 percent, Canada with 3 percent and China with 2 percent, according to the report.

The Jewish state has developed advanced security protocols, as cyber attacks on the country have risen substantially in the past four years, reaching up to 2 million attacks against crucial Israeli infrastructure on a daily basis.

Israel’s rise as one of the world’s cybersecurity leaders has been boosted by cooperation between the military, government, education and private sectors. ■

Jerusalem train station 1892.

Sudan, and runs until Sept. 1, mostly under the leadership of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Participants agree that all measures should be taken to regain lands controlled by Israel after the Six-Day War and that the oil-rich countries will finance an increased Arab military presence in the region.

Aug. 30, 1944: Rattled by numerous attempts on his life and fearing for the safety of his family, Harold MacMichael resigns as Britain’s fifth high commissioner to Palestine after more than six years, a period of increasing restrictions on Jewish immigration. ■ Items are provided by the Center for Israel Education (www.israeled.org), where you can find more details.

ISRAEL NEWS

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SodaStream Purchased by Pepsi Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Company’s biggest competitor purchased the Israeli carbonated drink-machine maker SodaStream this week for $3.2 billion.

PepsiCo’s outgoing CEO Indra Nooyi said the companies are “an inspired match” because both aim to reduce waste and limit their environmental footprint. Popularity in sparkling water drinks reached a fever pitch in recent years.

Israel-based SodaStream, the leading sparkling water brand, cornered the market on young, health- and environmentally-focused consumers with its sparkling water maker for the home. SodaStream’s products are available at more than 80,000 individual retail stores across 45 countries. The first version was introduced in 1903 in England.

Pepsi’s purchase comes on the heels of Coca-Cola’s announcement to buy a minority ownership stake in sports drink maker BodyArmor; the amount was undisclosed.

Coca-Cola produces the sports drink Powerade, while PepsiCo makes the more popular Gatorade. SodaStream CEO Daniel Birnbaum said that the deal validates the “mission to bring healthy, convenient and environmentally-friendly beverage solutions to consumers around the world.”

PepsiCo will pay $144 per SodaStream share in cash, representing a 10.9 percent premium to Friday’s closing price of the U.S.-listed stock and a 32 percent premium to its 30day average. SodaStream’s U.S.-listed shares were up 10.5 percent in pre-market trading.

SodaStream was under fire three years ago when its West Bank factory closed amid international boycott calls. The company opened a factory in Israel’s Negev Desert instead. Actress Scarlett Johansson was previously a brand ambassador for SodaStream and parted ways with the international charity, Oxfam, because of a dispute over her work with the fizzy water giant.

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U.S. Gives $3.8 to Israel for Defense The $717 billion National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2019 passed through the House of Representatives on Aug. 1, including a bipartisan measure to give $3.8 billion annually to Israel.

Signed by President Donald Trump on Aug. 13, NDAA is a federal law that details the budget, expenditures and policies of the U.S. Department U.S. President Donald Trump holds of Defense. the John S. McCain National Defense According to the NDAA website, President Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

Trump was granted $500 million for co-development of missile defense systems with Israel and co-production of: Iron Dome, an Israeli all-weather air defense system to intercept and destroy short range rockets; David’s Sling, designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, missiles and rockets; and Arrow weapons systems, a group of anti-ballistic missiles.

The Associated Press reported the law provides $50 million for joint U.S.-Israeli work on counter-tunnel technology, which has emerged as a major security threat to Israel in recent years. Facing constant threats on its borders, Israel is forced to spend more on defense as a percentage of GDP than any other nation in the industrialized world.

In prior years, Israel received $3.8 billion from the U.S. to finance and defend against rockets fired by terrorist groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas. President Barack Obama’s 10-year agreement, $3.8 billion per year plus $500 million for missile defense, expired this year.

NDAA also temporarily halts the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. This strategic move relates to tensions between the U.S. and Ankara, which is currently holding hostage Andrew Brunson, an American pastor who has lived in Turkey since the 1990s. Brunson, entering his second year as a hostage on espionage and terrorism charges, captured Trump’s attention. NASA scientist Serkan Golge and State Department workers Metin Topuz, Nazmi Mete Cantürk, Hamza Uluçay are also being held by Turkey.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 13

EDITORIAL Publisher’s Note My column last week spoke about the United States’ burgeoning population. Apparently, I am not the only person considering the ramifications of our amazingly lenient immigration policy over the last century. Prager University released a video this week called “A Nation of Immigrants”

by Michelle Malkin, an author and television host. This five-minute tutorial focuses on current immigration levels, and the impact of our population, and it confirms many of the same numbers and concepts I highlighted in my column.

As I stated last week, population in the U.S. increased from 79 million in 1900 to 327 million in 2018. More specifically, our population grew by Michael 200 million from 1935 until Morris today, in just 83 years. This ex- Publisher pansion puts pressure on virtually every segment of our welfare such as education, employment, traffic, living space, healthcare, crime, and the list goes on. Let me specifically target crime statistics.

Crime statistics are typically quoted on a per capita basis, specifically, per 100,000 people. It is also well-documented that a higher density of population, such as urban settings, sustains more crime than lower density areas, such as rural or suburban areas. My perception is that the general news media is suggesting that crime in the U.S. has been growing and even increasing unchecked in recent years. The actual statistics demonstrate that on a per capita basis, even with significant growth in urban America, crime, and specifically murder, has not increased at all. As our population has quadrupled, so has the number of murders as well as the amount of food we consume, cars we own, living space we occupy.

However, murder has not increased in 100 years, and in fact, is down on a per capita basis since its peak in the late 70s to early 90s. Murder in the U.S. has fluctuated between five to 10 per 100,000 people over the past 100 years and is hovering at its low, around five to six right now (in 2015, it was just under five; in 2017, it was closer to six).

What this suggests is that, as a society, we unfortunately perpetuate a certain amount of crime (as we do un14 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

employment). Murder, specifically in the U.S., is directly correlated to the size of our population. For the same reason, we can never reduce the unemployment rate to zero; some people will always want to leave their job temporarily. We can never reduce the murder rate to zero; some people will always get into an argument.

What has changed in our society is documentation of various crimes, such as murder, and the dissemination and availability of it as news. In 1900, it is unlikely that you would have heard about murders three states away unless the proportion increased dramatically in a short period of time. Today, the internet can tell you exactly how many murders there are in any given city on a daily basis. As an example, about eight people are shot and two of those shot are killed each day in Chicago alone. Of those shot and killed in Chicago, a police officer is responsible for the killing about once a month. Of course these statistics beg the question as to why we only hear about one or two of these killings a year; and, why we interpolate the two killings we hear about to represent the other 650 or so.

The bottom line is, just because we know how to use the internet to learn about the breadth of murders in the U.S. each year, does not mean the number of murders is increasing. Specifically, the murder rate in the U.S. is not outpacing population growth, but population growth is a defining factor in our murder rate.

I use the specific example of crime and murder to demonstrate that as we look at our welfare in America and discuss education, immigration, healthcare, employment, wealth and a multitude of other problems, we must do so through a prism of our population. As I stated in last week’s column: Our unprecedented population growth must be a factor in making rational decisions for our welfare and governance.

EDITORIAL

Spirituality Now, But Why? How important is spirituality in your dation of my spiritually, and in my many, life? It’s the big question this time of year. many, imperfections, I still have faith that I can’t seem to get this topic off my mind. G-d has his eye on me and my family. Not It must be the natural order of events for everyone around me is as fortunate to have me, considering the recent call we made for a strong spiritual identity. Even if your the community to write letters to the editor spiritual tank, so-to-speak, is running low, about “What being Jewish means to you,” I am confident in the source and where to contemplating the meaning go to get my tank refilled. But of life as an upcoming empty what about those in our comnester, planning my golden munity that have no idea and years, and recently publishing are searching for their spiriour annual synagogue issue in tual identity? preparation for the holidays.

Which brings me full cirTalk about a little spiritual cle. As the holidays approach journey. Holy moly! and the community makes The dilemma I face is tryplans to purchase their high ing to sort through and digest holiday tickets, send invites all the insightful input, opin- Kaylene for break fast and get their ions and general information Ladinsky favorite outfit dry cleaned, I Managing Publisher that is coming my way. worry just how many in our As with most topics, spiricommunity are spiritually tuality is a very complex and complicated empty or even lost. I believe it’s important subject. The only way I have been able to at this time of year, to encourage one anreally begin to wrap my mind around it is other to strive to be balanced, healthy by trying to generalize the information. Ac- human beings. I am not a doctor, nor an cording to most of the feedback I have re- expert, although it has always been my ceived, Jews generalize themselves as being understanding that this includes a need to Jewish by either blood relation, tradition, pay attention to your physical, mental and religious practice or by any combination spiritual well-being. of all three. More often than not, I come As you prepare for the holidays, I enacross members of our community that courage you to take the time and make do not believe in G-d at all, or express their the effort to fulfill any spiritual emptiness own doubt in “what” G-d is. you are feeling. The holidays are a great So, what is spirituality? I asked a few time to seek and restore yourself. Eat lots of my friends and the answers were all of healthy food, discuss and debate imporover the place. From religious practices, tant topics with your family, friends and a person whose highest priority is to be rabbis, and strengthen your mental capacloving to themselves and others, or even ity. (Nothing challenges me more mentally as simply as a person who is kind and in than my family.) And don’t forget to include touch with their higher self. The definition spirituality, however you may define it, as per Merriam-Webster is 1: something that a part of your overall healthy well-being. ■ in ecclesiastical law belongs to the church (synagogue) or to a cleric as such 2: clergy Merriam-Webster 3: sensitivity or attachment to religious val- Definition of healthy ues 4: the quality or state of being spiritual.

1: free from disease or pain: enjoying Personally, for me, Torah is the foun- health and vigor of body, mind, or spirit The AJT welcomes your letters. We want our readers to have an opportunity to engage with our community in constructive dialogue.

If you would like your letter to be published, please write 200 words or less and include your name, phone number and email. Send your letters to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

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OPINION The Label “Enemy of the People” is No Joke When I wrote about the Supreme Court of the sports for my high school United States rules 6-3 in newspaper, the diving coach favor of the newspaper, an enjoyed suggesting that I editor in The Post newsroom worked for Pravda, the offiquotes aloud from the macial newspaper of the Comjority opinion written by Asmunist Party of the Soviet sociate Justice Hugo Black: Union.

“In the First Amendment, The Soviet Union was the founding fathers gave an enemy of the United Dave the free press the protection States. Therefore, writing Schechter it must have to fulfill its esfor Pravda made one an en- From Where I Sit sential role in our democemy of the United States. It racy. The press was to serve was the coach’s joke, his way of needling the governed, not the governors.” me, and I rolled with it.

Today, that reasoning seems lost on I began writing this column aboard elected officials who fail to understand the flight home from my annual, and al- – or pretend not to, because the tactic ways too brief, sojourn to Maine and a serves their political purposes – that just cabin on a lake in the woods. My in-flight because you don’t like what’s been reentertainment was “The Post,” the based- ported, that does not make it “fake news.” on-a-true-story movie about the decision President Trump, whose record of

by The Washington Post in 1971 to pub- false and misleading statements is prolish the Pentagon Papers after a federal digious, has asserted that “a large percourt ordered The New York Times to centage” of the news media report “fake stop publishing the leaked, classified his- news,” thus qualifying them as “the entory of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam emy of the American people.”

War. More than 400 newspapers – large Toward the end of the movie, after and small, rural and urban, red state

16 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

and blue state – published editorials on Aug. 16 about the president’s rhetoric.

The Kansas City Star cautioned that his words “are no less dangerous because they happen to be strategic. That is what Nazis called Jews. It’s how Joseph Stalin’s critics were marked for execution.”

This is not a quarrel about the president’s policies. This is an objection to his demonization of a profession that plays a critical role in maintaining the informed citizenry necessary to support a democracy – a responsibility shared by small town weeklies and big city dailies, by television stations in the smallest markets as well as the major broadcast and cable networks.

For the past couple of years, I have feared for the welfare of journalists, not only the reporters, but also the television producers and camera crews who find themselves the target of venom encouraged from the podium at political rallies.

President Thrump thrives on creating foils with whom he can spar publicly, but there are risks to this approach.

When you whip up a crowd, when you tell them that a particular group of

people is their enemy, you bear responsibility for what happens next.

I worry that when the man at the microphone utters the equivalent of “won’t someone rid me of these meddlesome priests,” some true believer will take that as an order and journalists will be assaulted in the field or in their newsrooms.

In the meantime, we are treated to red-faced men and women screaming epithets at journalists (who are big boys and girls and can handle verbal abuse) and waving their middle fingers.

To be sure, journalism is not without its flaws. Just ask any journalist. And this president is not the first to have a beef with the news media. Nonetheless, we (said the fellow with 40 years professional experience) are not enemies of the American people.

In the words of the Mercury News and East Bay Times of San Jose, Calif.: “Journalists are trying to do a job. We’re not trying to tear down our nation. We’re trying to strengthen it. For we believe in the foundational premise behind the First Amendment -- that our nation is stronger if its people are informed.” ■

SIMCHAS

The Fox: Affairs You Want to Remember As a child in Miami, Ron Jaffe: What are some Lazarus enjoyed helping preof the trends you see enterpare Romanian meals with ing 2019? his uncle. “I’ve always loved Wilner: 2019 is full of throwing parties and planoptimism, which means ning menus. My hands-on color. Design continues to direction came at the AEPi bridge the rustic, patina frat house at the University of finishes with sleek, conFlorida, where I learned how temporary design. The Fox to run a kitchen.” is décor-ready — yet others Marcia In 1977, Lazarus coenvision the spaces unlike Caller Jaffe founded Affairs to Rememanything done before — ber, known for its professionalism, cre- “washing the walls” with photos or vidativity and divine cuisine. Day-to-day eos for a spectacularly branded visual, operations are run by native New Yorker, for example.

Rich Wilner, who is general manager.

Food trends include mindful eating “I knew I was destined to be to in the (consideration of healthy foods), locally hospitality business,” Wilner said. “I was sourced products and exotic flavors inmore interested in planning my brother’s spired by Atlanta’s diversity. bar mitzvah than he was. I grew up in a Jaffe: What are some of the creative/ kosher household with a mother who is outrageous events you have done there? an amazing cook, and shared her love Wilner: For one wedding, we through food. One of my first catering ef- brought in a video of good wishes from forts was preparing a Passover seder for Carol Channing! (Her mother was Ger40 AEPi fraternity brothers” at State Uni- man-Jewish and Carol considers herself versity of New York at Oswego. “part-Jewish".) We’ve done weddings that Who knew AEPi was such a great were a “building buy-out”: Ceremony training ground for culinary talent? on the main stage, cocktail hour in the Grand Salon & Terrace and reception in Jaffe: Describe your relationship the Egyptian Ballroom.

We’ve had weddings with “feathwith the Fox. Wilner: We entered a partnership in ered” Vegas showgirls hosting the proces2015 to manage the sales and marketing sional during the reception.

Many couples have their pets in of private events, working with all clients who book any of their event spaces, their ceremony. (They don’t stay for the whether we or someone else caters. We reception.) Another had a marching band assist clients with all aspects (from flo- from New Orleans lead the wedding parrals, A/V and photography, to specialty ty procession. We’ve had mini Cirque du cakes and event design), for a one-stop- Soleil performances and aerialists in the shopping experience, or simply coordi- Egyptian Ballroom - you name it. Corponating the event space. When we are the rate events, awards, holiday parties, wedcaterer, we call those “AFFAIRS at the dings — including rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and receptions — b’nai mitzvot, FOX.” We produce around 170 events an- trade shows, movie premieres, product nually at the Fox. When there is no per- launches, association gatherings, birthformance on the main stage, we have the day parties, fundraising galas and proms. ability to rent out the new, very cool Mar- We do it all! quee Club for private events.

Rich Wilner, ATR General manager, grew up with a passion for food and entertaining.

A Fox exclusive - falafel fritter.

The Fox Egyptian Ballroom - wedding reception "done up" by Affairs to Remember.

Jaffe: Elaborate on catering to celebrities performing at the Fox. Wilner: Due to non-discloser clauses, we cannot list specifics, …. but let’s say the old story about only eating green M&Ms is not far from the truth. For a 45-minute stay in the dressing room, one celebrity requested certain books and magazines and a full smoothie bar.

Another requested a specific coffee from a local coffee shop, where we had a service person on standby waiting for a call to order the coffee at a specific time and then bring it to the dressing room.

Jaffe: Food is love. Whet our appetites.

Wilner: We offer a whole line of Fox-exclusive food and drinks. They are influenced by the Fox architecture, its location as the epicenter of the New South, and the shows on the main stage, meaning we can create a menu for a private event inspired by whatever show is currently on stage (see sidebar).

Pistachio macaroons, another ATR Fox exclusive.

Some Fox-exclusive items include: Hibiscus Mint Shrub & Vodka Martini + mint leaf; Falafel Fritter + radish raita and micro greens; Za’tar Crusted Tuna, cannellini bean salad with artichokes, soppressata, feta + sumac berry vinaigrette; Rustic Vidalia Onion Tart with Belle Chevre herb mousse and micro green salad; Cheesecake with Miles Berry Farm strawberry sauce + moonshine caramel, and Pistachio Macaroons with crushed pistachio garnish. ■

Sample Tidbits of Themed Affairs to Remember Menus Kosher-Style Southern Braided challah

An Affairs to Remember Dessert Station at the Fox.

Cabaret

Elvis Lives

Delta greens

Potato pancakes with onion compote

BBQ brisket

Caraway cabbage

Fried chicken

Kit Kat Club crepes

Corn/squash casserole

“Money Makes the World Go ‘Round” silver dollar blinis with caviar

Fireworks slaw Peach cobbler

“All Shook Up” tater tots in martini glasses Pimiento cheese with bourbon jam “You Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog” hot dog bar “Blue Hawaii” Micronesia chicken wraps with grilled pineapple “Hunka hunka” fried pies Couture PB&J cupcakes with fresh grape frosting

For the Fox-exclusive menu: www.affairs.com/food/menus/affairs-at-the-fox.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 17

COVER STORY Making Simcha Magic Since 1929

By Sarah Moosazadeh The word ‘magical’ is often used to describe the historic Fox Theatre’s life-like sky ceiling, exotic ballrooms and Middle Eastern architecture. It’s also perhaps why caterer Affairs to Remember partnered with the venue several years ago and now manages all its private events.

Today, the Fox Theatre draws audiences for various shows from Broadway musicals to rock concerts, but few know how the building overcame debt, foreclosure, demolition and a fire to become one of Atlanta’s most beloved and historic buildings.

To gain a better understanding of the theater’s history, the AJT was invited by Affairs to Remember for a VIP tour led by Lauralyn Mustaki, the caterer’s director of business development at the Fox. Enchanted by arabesque minarets, intricate designs and onion domes, Shriners from the Yaarab Shrine Temple in Atlanta sought a mosque-style structure for its headquarters that resembled the ancient temples of the Far East, according to the Fox Theatre. The Shriners eventually purchased some property on Peachtree Street and broke ground in 1928.

To help finance the building, the Shriners launched a campaign that raised $1 million in 25 days. Yet no sooner had the project launched, led by architect Ollivier Vinour of the firm Marye, Alger & Vinour, than it began to experience financial woes.

Already over budget and past deadline, the Shriners eventually received aid from Jewish theater mogul William Fox, who, alongside his wife, Eve, finished constructing the building. Eve put herself in charge of the theater’s decorating and is known for her hallmark Magen David, which is incorporated throughout the theater’s seats, carpeting and ceiling. The Fox contains 96 stars, of which a third of them twinkle.

The theater opened its doors on December 25, 1929, to a sold-out crowd, showing “Steamboat Willie,” Disney’s first cartoon starring Mickey Mouse. It took Fox 18 months to complete the project, for which he signed a 21-year lease at $100,000 a year. Today the more than $3 million project would cost $300 million to construct, Mustaki said.

Yet the theater’s success was short-lived as the great depression hit. The building hit the courthouse steps for $75,000 before theater operators Arthur Lucas and Wil-

Shriners from the Yaarab Shrine Temple sought to create a headquarters in 1928 that was influenced by arabesque and Middle Eastern décor.

liam Jenkins, in a partnership with Paramount Pictures known as Mosque Inc., picked it up for $750,000.

For the next three decades, the Fox experienced prosperity, mostly because of the Egyptian Ballroom, which was converted to a dance hall. The stars on the ballroom’s ceiling reflect the lost pharaohs, which also continue on the carpet, representing the Nile River.

But by the ‘70s the theater’s success plummeted once again as Atlantans moved to the suburbs. “People were going to drive-ins and regular AMC movie houses.

They weren’t coming down to the Fox as they were to those shows,” Mustaki said. Television also contributed Photos by Sarah Moosazadeh

A grand staircase leads up to the Marquee Club’s mezzanine and rooftop level.

The Fox Theatre experienced foreclosure, a fire and debt to remain one of Atlanta’s most historic buildings.

18 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

The Magen David found inside the Fox Theatre’s interior also is used throughout the Marquee Club.

COVER STORY to the theater’s decline, said Travis Taylor, Affairs to Remember’s communications director.

The theater experienced even more tumultuous times after it began showing a series of horror movies, and Southern Bell sought to demolish the building in the hopes of creating a parking lot for its headquarters.

But the Fox is a National Historic Landmark, one of the most ornate movie palaces remaining in the country, and one of the largest movie theaters ever built, at 250,000 square feet, according to the U.S. National Parks Service.

When Atlantans caught whiff of the news, they launched the “Save the Fox” campaign in 1974. Donors were able to raise $2 million to pay part of the $5 mil-

Eve Fox’s hallmark, inside the theater, is the star of David, which can be found on the ceiling, carpet and chairs.

lion tax bill, and with help from lawyers, the theater was eventually converted to a nonprofit, which reduced the amount.

Of the $30 million the Fox generates in revenue, a majority is used for restoration and preservation, Mustaki said. Most of the furniture in the building is original. Among the most renowned features of the theater is Mighty Mo, the Möller Theatre 3,622-pipe organ, among the largest in the world. Joe Patten, known as the Phantom of the Fox because he lived at the theater, took 30 years to restore the organ. He died in 2016.

The Fox has about 300 shows a year. “A lot of people have seen the Fox, but they kind of forget what we have here … when we bring them on stage, their mouth

just drops. There is just not another place like it. It really is such a magical place,” Mustaki said.

To help preserve that magic, on May 18, the Fox opened the Marquee Club for subscribers and corporate members. It was the former home of the jazz club Churchill Grounds. The $10 million renovation carries much of the theater’s arabesque décor, which includes lighting from Dubai as well as a continuation of the Magen David design and gold leaf details. The upscale venue and its rooftop, complete with lounges and bars, will have some dates in December available for private events. ■ Hand-crafted lounges from Georgia and a chandelier from Dubai are used to decorate the Marquee Club.

The Marquee Club draws its influence from the Fox Theatre’s arabesque designs and architecture.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 19

SIMCHAS Bukharian Wedding: A Feast of Culture and Tradition Our synagogues and customs are quite varied, but there’s probably nothing more bounteous than a Bukharian simcha. As a member of the dynamic Bukharian Congregation Beth Itzhak in Norcross, Marieta Iskhakov shares the details of her wedding that will bring joy and make your mouth water.

Bukhara is one of the 12 provinces in Uzbekistan, a landlocked sovereign nation in Central Asia north of Afghanistan. Iskhakov immigrated to Israel (from Bukhara) as a youth, came to New York in 2004, then moved to Atlanta in 2010.

Marcia

at Congregation Beth Jacob and brought in the head Bukharian rabbi from New York, along with the band and catering.

Jaffe: I would have thought that Atlanta would have adequate kosher choices and supplies.

Iskhakov: We have very specific qualities and foods (especially the meats) that are best found in New York. Even the dishes were bought there and shipped to Atlanta. My poor fiancé had to wash (tuvel) every plate by hand in the mikvah.

My father-in-law was most gracious in wanting Caller Jaffe everything “just right.”

Jaffe: You consider Jaffe's Jewish Jives yourself Modern Orthodox.

Jaffe: Describe how the How was your wedding here in Atlanta ceremony and unique Bukharian tradidifferent from an Ashkenazi traditional tions unfold. wedding?

Iskhakov: We have the traditional Iskhakov: Bukharians are Sephard- chuppah, wine, blessings and breaking ic with other cultures mixed in: Persian, of the glass.

Mediterranean. That being said, with My mother handmade my wedding our crowd of 300, we held the wedding dress. After the ceremony, the bride and

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The newlyweds, Vladislav and Marieta Iskhakov, in traditional embroidered Bukharian chapan robes.

groom (and some family members) wear chapans, large coats embroidered in metallic threaded flowers, and dance traditional Bukharian dances.

Jaffe: I get that food is very important.

Iskhakov: Our goal was to have the highest quality and variety so that there is something for everyone. Happy guests are what’s most important. One thing that may be different is that we have a huge buffet before the ceremony. The groom and I did not attend, but my recollection was that it had a variety of fancy salads, butterfish, lox, smoked fish and veggies. I think meat also, but note that we start over with a new dish after eating the fish between the meat courses.

In the main reception room, the liquor and appetizers were already on the tables. More fancy salads, beets, eggplant,

tuna tartar, sushi, vegetables. We eat tandoori bread that looks like a giant round, thick pita sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Later, there are several main entrees: chicken, various skewers and shish kebabs, lamb chops, and samosas stuffed with minced lamb. Some things are served in tandoors. Lots of Grey Goose too!

The staff rolled in tables for the desserts. I will say that I do not remember this because I was so tired. All I wanted to do at that point was to go home. My cake was about the only thing done locally, and it had elaborate purple flowers.

Another tradition is during the reception, right before dessert. We had a group meal called osh plov, made in a giant cast iron cauldron, huge platters of rice, lamb, and carrots topped with green onions. The symbolism of this is sharing a meal with everyone as a community.

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20 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

SIMCHAS

The bride and groom’s elevated table with special majestic chairs.

The wedding chuppah reflects Iskhakov’s lavender purple floral décor.

Jaffe: Describe how the reception was set up.

Iskhakov: We had two separate rooms with identical food. One was a more observant side with a mechitzah (separation panel) so the men and women can dance separately. One room had a Bukharian band from New York; the other had a DJ who took requests. I was running between rooms to see everyone!

My husband and I were elevated on our own private table with king and queen chairs upon a traditional rug.

Jaffe: Looking back, you would say?

Iskhakov: Our tradition may be a bit different in that the groom’s family pays for the wedding. My family gave the engagement party earlier in New York. In our tradition there is the exchange of jewelry from family members to the couple.

This was a several-day affair with Shabbat dinner and lunch the Saturday after the wedding.

We went to Israel for our honeymoon… nothing can compare to that! ■

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Luscious appetizers on each table awaited reception dinner guests.

Bukharians highly value food abundance and quality.

We love that our event decorations are festive, fun and truly inspired by all of you.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 21

SIMCHAS

With This Ring Comes all That Sparkles Historically Jewish engagement pursuit of larger and high-quality stones, rings contained intricate, heavy designs, according to The Atlantic’s 2015 story by unsuitable for daily wear. They reflected Uri Friedman, “How an Ad Campaign Inthe power, position and wealth of the vented the Diamond Engagement Ring.” families. The exchange of And then, there’s Mariengagement rings gained lyn Monroe: “Diamonds Are importance during the a Girl’s Best Friend.”

Renaissance as evidence of Modern Jewish brides commitment. want sleek designs to wear “Engagement rings are throughout their lives. “The the most popular of all the oval is the hot new shape,” betrothal tokens that can be said Jonathan Agami, found in a traditional Jewprincipal of Universal ish wedding,” according to Diamond Corp in Buckhead.

Judaica Guide: A Complete “The three stone and halo Marcia Guide to Essential Judaica & styles are a bit outdated.

Caller Jaffe Hebrew. They can become Solitaires with a thin band -family heirlooms passed on with or without stones -- are to generations and often remounted for popular. Thin or “skinny” bands allow a lucky daughter-in-law. stacking now or adding wedding band The diamond business has gained layers later.” more attention over the years through When asked about metals, Agami various advertising campaigns. Take the said, “Rose gold, yellow gold, platinum one by the South African Oppenheimer -- all metals that are in fashion.” family, originally from Germany, who At Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry, ran DeBeers diamonds. In 1940 they also in Buckhead, the round brilliant cut hired a New York advertising firm to diamond has been the most requested market the slogan: “A Diamond is Forshape for as long as president Jaron Solever.” It translated into romance and the omon can remember. He said, “By defini-

Solomon Brothers suggests an east-west stone positioning for a new twist.

Jewelers agree that stacking bands is a popular trend. Add more later as anniversaries accrue.

tion, an ideal cut round stone reflects the optimum amount of light and gives off the most sparkle. Other very popular shapes with sparkle include the cushion modified brilliant, which can be square or rectangular with soft edges, and the oval. Several of our designers are onto a new trend where the elongated center stone is set east-west rather than northsouth along the finger. This is a must-see for the fashion-forward!”

Most engagement rings have a wedding band to match, Solomon continued, “but a matching set is not required. We get requests for a simple single row of diamonds on the band that can be set in different ways: pavé [no metal showing],

Choices of solitaires with banded, small stones and various metals are what many brides are selecting.

single prong, and shared prong. Each technique gives a subtly different look. If it’s too hard to choose, many of today’s brides opt for multiple bands giving a very trendy layered, or stacked look. “ Designs with inscriptions are also an option. In Hebrew or English, they may contain the couple’s names, wedding date and “Ani L’Dodi V’Dodi Li,” which means: “I am my beloved and my beloved is mine.” These rings make sure that Jews never forget our rich cultural heritage.

As Solomon puts it: “Your engagement ring might not be the most expensive piece of jewelry you will ever own, but it’s certainly the most significant.” ■

About Our Cover The AJT wishes Vicki and Ryan a happy third wedding anniversary.

Photo by Vue Photography, vuephotographyonline.com Featuring Vicki and Ryan Holzer Wed on August 22, 2015 at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta 22 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

SIMCHAS

Mother-Daughter Dish Out Wedding Cooperation

Mother Sharon Rosenberg Kroll, daughter/bride Jaime Dunn and bridesmaid/sister Jordyn Kroll.

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Enjoy a boutique experience as we share Design Ideas & Expert Planning Advice for all your Wedding Décor needs.

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Photos courtesy of Katie & Mark Littmann, Photography by Scobey Photography Event Planning by Magnolia Celebrates, Laura Maddox; Venue is The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta Design and Floral by Jim White Designs

24 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Sharon Rosenberg Kroll and her daughter, Jaime Kroll Dunn, knew they had just under a year to plan Dunn’s 2017 wedding. Both pharmacists, they agreed they wanted a low stress, simple, yet elegant wedding for the fourth-generation Atlantan. “We got along because we picked our battles,” Kroll said.

The service was cut short because of a windstorm. Rabbi Alexandria ShuvalWeiner, center, related the rambunctious wind to the unexpected ups and downs of marriage. Bride, Jaime, and groom, Michael Dunn, had to hold down kippah and veil, and others tried to anchor the chuppah.

Regis, which miraculously was available to switch those few months ahead.

Dunn: Yes, I freaked out about that!

But ended up loving the change.

Since the ceremony was outdoors, on our May wedding day, the weather was the WORST What were the upfront chalwind day in the recent history lenges? of Atlanta! The lights on the Kroll: I wanted a plated, chuppah had to be replaced seated dinner, and Jaime with beads, the kippahs were wanted stations. I gave in on flying off heads, and my veil this (the price was compawas blowing. Pianist Joe Alrable), and it turned out to be terman’s music was flying off fine. the keyboard. The groomsmen Dunn: Also, I nixed havMarcia had to anchor down the chuping a photo booth. pah to keep it stable.

Whittling the invitation Caller Jaffe Kroll: The rabbi was very list was challenging. First draft Jaffe's Jewish Jives quick on her feet and ended with all the extended family was over 400. Second draft we got down to the outdoor service a bit early and brought inviting 300, and 242 came. The 80:20 rule the wind theme into her comments about marriage. held up. It was just the right size.

Kroll: I eliminated people whom I may have wanted, but if they had no connection What advice would you give to other to Jaime, they came off. mother/daughters for how to keep it simDunn: In addition to friends and par- ple? ents, I have active grandparents here who Kroll: No bling! No fuss. We went to have a full set of their own friends.

Winnie’s Bridal (Winnie Couture) in one trip and bought the dress. No one else came

What snags appeared that you could not to vote and cloud the decision.

Dunn: I am not a big planner, so I control?

Kroll: The guests got stuck in the ele- trusted mom to do all the legwork. I said up vator between the ceremony and reception. front what was most important to me: pickGood thing no one told me until they got it ing the band. So I took that latitude. I did it all on line with an “umbrella” company solved.

Do not pick a venue that is under con- that represents a lot of bands, …put in my struction! Our first choice, where we had specifications, price, types of music, and a deposit and were ready to print the in- we listened to various bands’ music sites vitations, called and said the deal was off online. We picked Rhythm Nation. Good since their construction could be disrup- decision.

Also, it’s easiest to have the ceremony tive. We were very lucky that the original W Midtown hotel was linked to The St. and reception in one venue to not have to

SIMCHAS

Mom Sharon had two suggestions for the reception room: Keep the flower cost low by using large blooms like hydrangeas, and locate the bars in a rectangle – not in the corners.

transport guests. We changed it up by having the ceremony outdoors and the reception indoors at the same hotel.

What about the vendors?

Kroll: The florist, Unique Floral Expressions, kept the cost down by using large blooms like hydrangeas. Having the video DVD (by Paul Wages) was most precious to me. After I watched it weeks later, I saw that I had missed so much the night of the wedding that I doubly enjoyed that people were having such a good time. We did not spend the time after the ceremony taking formal family shots.

Dunn: I know nothing about flowers other than I wanted cream and light blue. My sister, who is an interior designer, did all that. Teamwork!

The best vendor was my grandmother’s specialty company, which custom made our ATL sports cap favors. They were a huge hit.

Any honeymoon advice?

Dunn: We started the “honeymoon” on a smart note. Since we knew we would be too hyped up to eat at the wedding reception, that night around midnight, we had the full meal, dessert and champagne delivered to our room. Then we ate it all in peace!

Later we went to Figi, and it was beautiful and restful, but there wasn’t much to do. We went ziplining.

Months later we went to Greece (with so much more culture) and preferred that.

Bottom line: There is absolutely nothing I would change about our whole simcha! ■

The sports style caps were a big hit with the guests. Originally Mom Sharon didn’t like the idea, but changed her mind at Jaime’s insistence.

SIMCHAS

How to Choose a Mitzvah Celebration Theme The Name Game

By Shelly Danz Choosing a theme for a bar or bat mitzvah celebration seems easy. After all, right now your teen is SO into soccer, or YouTube, or dance. But if you’re planning the simchah one-to-two years ahead of the date, be prepared that his or her passions, hobbies and interests may change dramatically during this time.

I remember a parent who went far down the road with a decorator on a Broadway-themed bash, only to have her daughter return from camp completely crazy about her sport instead. The decorator went back to the drawing board, but the parent was out a good bit of money and time!

Why does it matter to have a theme?

It provides a framework for all the elements of the weekend. It can influence décor, of course, but also menu, favors, entertainment and even activities for your out-of-towners. Let’s explore the possibilities.

Consider Interests

If your teen has played piano since

26 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Using your teen’s name to anchor decor is another fresh take on the theme scene. I’ve worked with families on successful celebrations that use a name as a logo that can be applied to dance floor wraps, projected on walls, and printed on napkins or favors in an eye-catching way.

Communicate Clearly Photos from atlantapartyconnection.com website.

preschool, music may be a no-brainer.

Likewise, if he or she has been a lifelong sports player or artist. Consider all their hobbies and see what lends itself to a celebration that will be meaningful and fun for all. Peruse Pinterest www.pinterest. com/ATLpartyconnect/ for ideas of how others used hobbies in their celebration elements, and start your own boards with examples you and your teen like.

Pick Places

Is the beach your teen’s favorite place to be? Maybe he has a beloved city you’ve traveled to as a family or consid-

ers summer camp heaven on earth. A destination can be an excellent theme.

Transport your guests to another place by bringing its sights, sounds and flavors to your venue. Or, consider making that place your celebration spot, like a location that overlooks the water, or holding the simcha at your child’s camp. URJ Camp Coleman and Camp Barney Medintz both allow this at certain times of year, but check with your synagogue’s clergy before booking.

Color Outside the Lines

If your teen isn’t attached to a hobby, activity or place, don’t sweat it! Not every theme fits a mold. Color outside the lines by using favorite hues as décor inspiration. This idea has become more popular in recent years because it’s timeless – colors never go out of style – and easy to build on. Just the selection of certain color combos can set the tone for your affair.

As mentioned already, your teen may change his or her mind several times. Don’t settle on a theme until you are within a year of the big day. And make sure you’re clear what your teen means when he says he wants a Fortnitethemed party. Your vision may be wildly different from his, and you both need to meet in the middle about what’s realistic.

Anything goes when it comes to bar mitzvah themes! The only requirement is that the celebration truly represents the guest of honor’s personality and vision for this milestone moment. ■ Shelly Danz is the founder and chief party officer of Atlanta Party Connection (atlantapartyconnection.com), which helps families create their ideal weddings and mitzvah celebrations. APC connects families with top vendors, secures exclusive deals and discounts on services, and provides planning tips and inspiration. APC also produces four events annually to connect attendees with celebration vendors in a festive party atmosphere. The next Bar & Bat Mitzvah Expo is Oct. 14 at the Westin Atlanta Perimeter.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 27

SIMCHAS

Lavish B’nai Mitzvah Cost More Than Money In the Hollywood film, “Keeping Up with the Steins,” one affluent Jewish family from Los Angeles creates its bar mitzvah celebration on a cruise liner. The high point of the party afterwards for the young bar mitzvah is to sail into the ship’s ballroom on a replica of the Titanic, a ship that was, ironically, at the center of one of the most dramatic disasters in history.

It is perhaps an appropriate metaphor for where the increasingly lavish and competitive world of professionally planned bar and bat mitzvah celebrations is taking the Jewish community —- a place where money is sometimes no object.

In 2005, for example, British billionaire Philip Green flew 200 guests to the South of France for his son’s bar mitzvah weekend and imported Beyoncé and Italian star Andrea Bocelli to entertain. The price tag for the event was said to be a cool $7.5 million.

The same year, another wealthy Wall Street operator, David Brooks, spent an amazing $10 million dollars on his daugh- Bob ter’s celebration with performances by Bahr Aerosmith, 50 Cent, Tom Petty, Don Henley and Kenny G. Each one of the guests received a gift bag worth over $1,000.

In “Keeping Up with the Steins,” the race to produce ever more lavish weekend celebrations like the cruise ship extravaganza, ends with another young bar mitzvah boy putting his foot down and opting for a simple backyard celebration.

sized. “They need to be able to say It proves to be more meaningful not only what can we afford, but than the lavishly themed party his what do we believe. … What Jewish parents had originally designed. But values do we want our child to abthat sort of serious change, least of sorb as part of his or her maturation all motivated by the central figure of process?” the bar mitzvah event, is a rarity.

Salkin’s concern is echoed by Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin, a former the Union of Reform Judaism.

Atlanta community educator and Several years ago, the movecongregational rabbi now in Florida, ment launched what it describes as has been a critical observer of all the its “b’nai mitzvah revolution,” which ups and downs of the modern b’nai seeks, among other practices, to fosmitzvah parties. He deter closer ties with families so each scribed them as being member is more engaged in Jewish the product of a thrivlearning and practice. ing, but spiritually chalOne of the stated goals of the lenged industry. program is “to support children and “We are witnessing Putting God on the Guest List, their families by focusing on the sothe radical separation Rabbi Jeffrey Salkin’s bestseller, cial, emotional and spiritual changof bar mitzvah and bat argues for more spiritually in es and milestones that accompany mitzvah from Judaism bar mitzvah party planning. adolescence.” and the Jewish comA recently published book, “The Relational Judaism munity. So many people believe they can celebrate their children’s ritual outside the Handbook” is by a trio of liberal rabbis, including Rabbi circle of Jewish communal life and syna- Lydia Medwin, director of congregational engagement and outreach at The Temple in Atlanta. It seeks to engogue life.”

In his perennial, award winning best-seller, “Put- courage what Medwin describes as a richer connection ting God on the Guest List,” Salkin maintained that the at all levels of the Jewish community.

“We wrote this book,” she points out, “so you, too, key to better family celebrations is for families, as a unit, to become more spiritually engaged in the bar or could be inspired to work toward a Jewish community centered on deepened relationships that make life more bat mitzvah they are planning.

“Parents need to own their own values,” he empha- meaningful.”

But infusing the b’nai mitzvah celebration with greater spirituality is seen by many as an uphill battle.

Often the religious ceremony and the fun-filled weekend that follows, spells the end of the spiritual development process for many young people.

Often there is too much competition with schoolbased extracurricular activities for temples and synagogues to retain young teens and even their family in the religious life of the community. Salkin, who lectures frequently around the country, has witnessed the effects of this fierce competition.

“The plague of post-b’nai mitzvah drop out has continued unabated,” he said. “In some communities, it is close to 100 percent.”

Despite all that organized Judaism is or is not doing, Salkin is sure where the ultimate responsibility lies.

“Ninety per cent of the blame is with the parents,” he said.

“Many parents, unfortunately, take the path of least resistence. They replicate the ambivalence and indifference that they experienced when they were kids.” ■

“Keeping Up with the Steins” satirizes overthe-top bar mitzvah celebrations.

28 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

SIMCHAS

Waterfront Luxury Hotel For Next Simcha?

Leave it to us to encourage you to check out all that Atlanta has to offer one week, and then tell you about the amazing experience we had just a short drive away, in Savannah. With a week off last month and between some family travel and other activities, we decided that going to the beach was not out of the question. But where would we find a coastal city, with great live entertainment, that will play the night away within our fourhour drive limit?

It just so happened that we stumbled upon The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra Fireworks display for July 4, 2018 Facebook post, promoting their Fourth of on the Savannah River.

July performance at the beautiful waterdecorated and spacious front luxury hotel, The Weslobby, overlooking the rivtin Savannah Harbor Golf erside pool. A lovely front Resort & Spa. Um … Oh say desk agent greeted us and can you see? Can we do any informed us of the day’s upbetter than a 3.5-hour drive coming events as she handto a waterfront destination ed us the keys to our river with a swingin’ band that view room, featuring the will let us dance the night Westin’s signature Heavenly away, as magnificent fireBeds and bath fixtures. works burst over our heads?

We were on vacation We were set, and headed out Michal Bonell & after all, so we changed into of Atlanta for a one-night, Jen Evans our bathing suits and darted two-day city beach adven- On the Town down to the riverside/poolture.

We arrived at the Westin Savannah side tiki bar for a light bite and umbrella Harbor Golf Resort & Spa around 1 p.m. drinks. Relaxed, we moseyed over to pooland were immediately curious about side lounge chairs where we soaked up the resort’s beauty and seclusion. The the sun and melted the afternoon away, hotel sits on the Savannah River with as waitstaff delivered more umbrellas – its incredible PGA Tour championship hehe. By 5:30 p.m. we decided we would golf course, Heavenly Spa, multiple res- begin to make our way back to the room taurants, and fantastic event space. We and prepare for the evening’s musical imagined how this setting would make event, performed by The Fabulous Equia beautiful and private special occasion nox Orchestra.

Before the show we were treated to venue. It is just a short ferry ride across the river from Savannah’s historic sites, a VIP cocktail party with wine, mixed drinks, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. We eclectic restaurants and shopping.

Upon entering the resort, we were were even fortunate enough to get some charmed by the welcoming, beautifully grilled seafood, corn on the cobb and

30 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jazz and firework entertainment at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa's fourth of July holiday celebration.

other delicious local fresh food. We met some fun guests and a few of the band members at the party and picked up a few of their CDs. The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a 17-piece band that formed in Louisiana and have now relocated to Savannah, was outstanding. A “southern big band,” this one is unlike any other, and the terms “orchestra” and “big band” don’t even begin to scrape the surface of all that the group offers. Their diverse repertoire covers the songs and sounds

from the classic Rat Pack style big band, the smokey Cabaret style quintet and the Funky Motown dance band with horns.

This group does it all and pays homage to the culture that raised and inspired them. They are most at home performing toe-tapping French Quarter, NOLA-style street parades, but also have the grace and sound of Frank Sinatra’s classic style.

They travel the country performing at various charity and corporate events and are available for private events as well.

We had great fun swingin’ and snappin’ to the tunes when suddenly beautiful, bright fireworks lit up a spectacular sky over the river and completed our highly anticipated extravaganza. The music kept playing and drinks kept flowing as the night rolled into the next day.

In the morning, after our “heavenly” rest, we hopped in the car for a 20-minute ride to Tybee Island. The weather was wonderful, and being on the beach by the beautiful ocean with great friends was divine. It was a whirlwind trip, but we had a fantastic time. Many thanks to The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa and The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. Consider them for your next special event. You won’t be disappointed. ■

Performance by The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra.

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ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 31

SPOTLIGHT Jewish Muslim Scholar Unveils

also include research on the Palestinian Authority, Tunisia, Morocco and the United Arab Emirates.

Wickham would have liked to include Egypt, but she fears that her long association with the Brotherhood, now designated a terrorist organization by the Egyptian government, could put her and anyone she interviewed at risk.

Word is that Wickham’s classes at Emory are among the most highly coveted. In addition to her clear exposition of complex world events, students appreciate her lively anecdotes from the field.

Wickham dresses in a head scarf, when appropriate, in Muslim countries.

Carrie Rosefsky Wickham, Emory professor of Middle Eastern and South Asian studies.

She is reputed to be one of the world’s Carrie Rosefsky Wickham is a pro- experts on the Muslim Brotherhood, havfessor in the Emory University Depart- ing met with two-thirds of the members ment of Middle Eastern and South Asian of their executive council, more than any Studies. She received her bachelor’s from other Western researcher.

Wickham has presented her reHarvard University and her doctorate search to members of the from Princeton University.

U.S. State Department, the Her published scholarship National Intelligence Counfocuses on the dynamics cil, and the National Secuof social movements and rity Council. contentious politics in auIn a new book project, thoritarian settings, with a she is exploring how huregional focus on the Middle manist values and sensiEast and North Africa. bilities gain social traction Wickham is the author in different historical and of “Mobilizing Islam: Religeographic settings. This gion, Activism and Political Marcia will include how Arab leadChange in Egypt” and “The Caller Jaffe ers are working to revive Muslim Brotherhood: Evolution of an Islamist Movement” released humanist elements of the Arab-Islamic with a new afterword to explain why turath (civilizational heritage) through Egypt’s post-uprising democracy col- initiatives in liberal arts education, religion and public culture. The book will lapsed.

Jaffe: As a child, what set you on this path?

Wickham: I am the oldest of four children. My grandfather, whose occupation was selling burlap bags, was truly a philosopher. He would ask me “big questions:” What is a star? Why are we here? I used to spin a globe and select a country to learn about. I was “bookish.”

I studied Portuguese, Spanish, French, Hebrew and Arabic. At 15, my family and I visited a Palestinian village in the Galilee and I saw the possibility of Jewish-Muslim relationships based on harmony and mutual respect. That was a turning point.

Jaffe: You started teaching at Emory in 1994. How did that evolve?

Wickham: I was finishing my dissertation when I joined the faculty, plus teaching new material in every class, so I didn’t get much sleep! Over time, my focus has become more interdisciplinary, exploring the interconnections between politics, culture, philosophy, history, ethics, sex, and gender. My primary expertise is contemporary politics and society in the Middle East and North Africa. I love teaching and try to convey to stu-

dents how exciting the life of the mind can be.

Jaffe: How did you navigate in Muslim countries as a Jewish female and get potentially hostile leaders to talk?

Wickham: I dressed very modestly.

I wore a head scarf while talking with leaders in the Brotherhood, at their request.

When asked, I said that I am of Romanian ancestry (true). When asked directly about religion, I stated that I believe in G-d, and if pressed, would say I was Jewish. But this was hard to admit.

One Islamist leader in Jordan described Jews as the “descendants of snakes and the source of all evil.” Others wondered, “Why does the U.S. allow Jews to dominate the country?” I was often asked if I was in the CIA or Mossad, and when I said “no,” how could I prove it. Despite these challenges, I managed to establish a rapport. I told them I wanted to understand how they viewed the world. To illustrate, I repeated what they told me in my own words. This was also a way to confirm I had it right, since nearly all of the interviews were in Arabic. I interviewed Mohamed Morsi, later president of Egypt, by phone. He and many of the others I got to know are now in prison.

In 1990 I met with Kamal Habib, a leader in the terrorist group responsible for assassinating Anwar Sadat. He was allowed out of jail every two months to meet with his academic advisor, who was also my advisor! Later he renounced violence.

Jaffe: You are applying for another Fulbright grant to study what?

Wickham: I question how the rich culture of learning and reflection that was once a key feature of Arab-Islamic civilization might be revived. Recent ini-

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Wickham captured the beauty of the synagogue in Tunis.

SPOTLIGHT tiatives in higher education, religion and public culture could function as seeds of broader social change. Through a program, Knowledge Without Borders, Moroccan King Mohammed VI is encouraging reading in Sharjan by supplying 50 books to every family. His daughter is in charge of the initiative, which is significant in itself.

The king also has a new school training males and females to be preachers. This is but one of many initiatives in Morocco and Tunisia promoting religious inclusion and pluralism. This is a powerful Islamic counter-narrative to ISIS. Leon Botstein, Jewish conductor and president of Bard College, teamed up with Palestinian educators to establish a liberal arts college at al Quds University in Jerusalem. In my book, I describe these initiatives as “hidden treasures” because they operate below the radar of the daily news cycle.

Jaffe: Who are your heroes? What gives you such hope?

Wickham: Mohammed Dajani, a Palestinian professor, taught a course on the Holocaust and took a group of Palestinian students to Auschwitz. He received death threats and had to resign, yet he had no regrets.

I visited a Tunisian Sufi scholar’s home and we sat with his family under the fig trees in his garden. The Bible (Micah 4:4) predicts a time when “everyone will sit under their own vine and fig tree, and no one will make them afraid.” I felt we were living that vision of fellowship and peace. In the Quran (49:13), it says, “God created us different so that we might know one another.”

This goes deeper than mere tolerance to recognizing the humanity of the stranger, which is a part of the Jewish tradition too.

We see this at Hadassah hospital where Jewish doctors treat Palestinians. Acts of human kindness, which challenge the narrative of conflict, give me hope.

Jaffe: So, the bottom line is?

Wickham: The finest part of every religious tradition is that which recognizes the humanity of the ”other.” It can be found in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, but unfortunately it is not always heard. In kabbalah, the Jewish mystical path, it is through acts of love that we can repair the world. We human beings are the instruments of change.

On a lighter note: Wickham’s mother is Flora Rosefsky, a talented Judaic artist who has designed several covers for the Atlanta Jewish Times.

After my interview at Wickham’s home, she sat at her piano and played a classical melody while her beagle, Buddy, howled like an opera star. I joined in too. It was surreal. Far from the shrines of Rabat, but still hauntingly beautiful. ■ ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 33

SPOTLIGHT Jews Behind the News

Bluestein Covers the “Govs” You don’t have to open the Atlanta Atlanta native working to tell his city’s Journal-Constitution to find front page story.” stories by Greg Bluestein. A native AtlanI caught up with Bluestein after he tan, Bluestein joined the AJC in 2012 as a dropped off his young children for the political reporter covering the governor’s first day of school. Here he shares how he office and state politics. engineered his own childhood vocational Bluestein said he’s proud of the role dreams into a stellar multifaceted career. the AJC plays in the community and echoed one of Jaffe: Did you grow his mentors in saying that a up with a pen and paper in good newspaper “shows its your hand? Was journalism love for its city by telling it in your childhood dreams? the truth.”

Bluestein: Actually, yes.

He mentioned the paIn the fourth grade in the per’s coverage of the Atlanta (Greenfield) Hebrew AcadPublic School cheating scanemy, AJC sports reporter I.J. dal, the team of reporters Rosenberg came to speak to covering state government, Marcia our class and I fell in love and the corruption probe Caller Jaffe with journalism. I decided into Atlanta City Hall. Bluenot to cover sports because I stein, who also appears on weekly GPB wanted to remain an avid fan and enjoy radio programs as well as national TV the games, but later at Woodland Elemenoutlets, is committed to “calling it like I tary School I got hooked on reporting. see it.”

What really sparked my desire, though, Muck Rack, which links journal- was working at The Red & Black student ists with PR agents, describes Bluestein newspaper at the University of Georgia, as “husband, father, aspiring mensch. where I eventually became editor.

Greg Bluestein appears weekly on CNN with his lively political commentary.

Bluestein is committed to sharing his analysis of unbiased coverage about issues most important to Georgia residents.

Jaffe: What was it like working for the Associated Press?

Bluestein: After college I worked there for seven years after a mentor steered me in that direction. My experience there was phenomenal: I covered the Legislature, law enforcement, and all sorts of breaking news around the nation. I went to West Virginia to cover the mine explosion, to New Orleans to report on the Gulf oil spill and to Haiti with Jimmy Carter.

I will say now, as a family man, I’m glad to not have as much unplanned hectic travel as I had back then.

Jaffe: How do you view the Georgia gubernatorial election?

Bluestein: I am very excited about this election. Both candidates (Brian Kemp and Stacey Abrams) will shake things up. I have known them both for a long time. Often, two opponents will have maybe 60 percent of ideas in common. Not so, here. There’s a stark contrast on just about every major issue: spending caps, immigration, gun control, taxes, abortion, and on and on.

And what happens at the Capitol could affect Georgians in more ways than national politics. The state government controls our regulations, schools, economy, taxes, and beyond.

being able to cover it through a political lens.

Jaffe: Describe the typical scope of your work week.

Bluestein: This is a fun gig. I am in constant communication with readers, candidates, politicians, campaign aides, tipsters. It’s a lot of juggling: posting blogs and newsletters, writing for the print edition, doing a podcast, updating Facebook, tweeting, and talking about politics on radio and TV outlets.

Tune in next week to get up close with WSB reporter Michael Seiden, also an Atlanta native.

Jaffe: Why a career in print journalism?

Bluestein: I have a visceral connection to the community and love 34 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Jaffe: How has “fake news” affected you?

Bluestein: I actually hate the term.

Now it’s used to describe what politicians don’t like. Social media, despite all its benefits, is transforming us. And adapting to those changes is challenging for our society.

Jaffe: You moderated the interview with famous news anchor Dan Rather at last year’s Book Festival of the Marcus JCC. What was that like?

Bluestein: He’s an iconic journalist and it was so cool to share the stage with him – especially in the heart of the community where I grew up.

Jaffe: Do you see yourself in politics a few years out?

Bluestein: Whoa, no! I love exactly what I am doing right now.

Jaffe: How do you relate to Jewish life in Atlanta?

Bluestein: I value the tightly-knit community enveloping me with family and friends close by. I taught Hebrew School at B’nai Torah and now my kids attend there. Full circle. ■

Bluestein goes "One on One" with Governor Nathan Deal.

Tower of Talent Showcases Young Stars

COMMUNITY

By Marcia Caller Jaffe mjaffe@atljewishtimes.com Some of the most talented child performers in Atlanta will take center stage at the fifth-annual Tower of Talent concert Oct. 20 at the new Performing Arts Center in City Springs.

A citywide casting call provided the entertainment: performers, singers and musicians ages 6 to 21, for the event, which raises money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Michael Greenbaum, owner of Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, and his wife, Anne, sponsored the first concert five years ago to raise money for medically fragile children.

“My father taught me the importance of giving, and this is something I want to pass on, not only to my children, but also to my employees at Tower,” Greenbaum said.

“Over the past few years, we have been volunteering at least once a month with our Tower Lights nonprofit program all over Atlanta, and our grand finale is this upcoming fundraiser. Supporting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta is especially dear to me because of our young grandchildren,” Greenbaum said.

“Even though they are happy and healthy, it has reminded me of the importance of good healthcare for all children, who really are the future.”

New this year is classic music inspired by musicologist, performer and teacher Warren Woodruff, and orchestrated under the direction of Lynn Stallings, executive director of the Atlanta Workshop Players. This year’s show honors television celebrity Christine Pullara from Atlanta & Company, and Tom Sullivan will be hosting.

Some of the kids appearing in the show were patients at the children’s hospital and the young performers want to help other children live their dreams.

Children’s Healthcare “relies on community donations such as Michael Greenbaum’s generous donation to support unfunded projects,” said Melisa Morrow, CHOA’s development officer.

“His generosity continues to fund our music therapy program, which empowers the children and their families through unique musical experiences to achieve optimal well-being. Children who receive these services in the hospital are presented with alternative ways to

Michael and Anne Greenbaum sponsor the concert with help from celebrities and volunteers, including Christine Pullara, Robyn Spizman, Tom Sullivan, Ed Harris and Lynn Stallings.

Photos by Travis Hudgons

Anne (seated) and Michael Greenbaum are joined by the cochairs, committee and leadership of Tower of Talent 2018.

manage pain, express emotions, improve physical/cognitive activity and relate to others through music.”

Woodruff said the financial benefit to CHOA provided the motivation for the concert. “But behind the scenes, wonderful and equally amazing empowerment happens as young people get the benefit of knowing their dedication to music is actually being used for good, as a force to bring positive change in a world that so desperately needs the healing power of music.”

Robyn Spizman Gerson, media personality and events coordinator, gave the Greenbaums credit for the concert. “They have selflessly strived to brighten the lives of others and provide services that brighten the lives of those in need. I am honored to support this cause, which has become one of the hottest tickets in town.

The Tower of Talent is going to be a starstudded, jaw-dropping, celebrity-filled event with amazing kids. Last year our goal was to collectively raise a million and a half dollars in donations, and as a dedicated team, we accomplished that!

This year, at such an exciting and spectacular new venue, the sky is the limit!”

Spizman is spearheading the concert with help from a committee of 75 dedicated volunteers chaired by Linda Suvalsky, Susie and Joey Moskowitz, Ed Harris, Leigh and Michael Schiff, Kim Chesney and Marianne and Stephen Garber. ■ The concert is at 7:30 p.m. Sat., Oct. 20 at the Performing Arts Center in City Springs, Sandy Springs. For tickets, visit www.choa.org/toweroftalent ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 35

COMMUNITY

Marriage Rose-Straka

Carol and Marc Rose of Alpharetta proudly announce the marriage of their son, Michael Eric, to Callie Johanna Grace Straka, daughter of Katie and Jeff Straka of Marietta. The wedding took place at the Whitlock Inn in Marietta on May 27, 2018.

The bride is the granddaughter of Amy and Gus Lamson of Fremont, Ohio, Tom and Sally Sprunk of Huron, Ohio, and Stan and the late Norma Straka of Arizona. The groom is the grandson of Marcia Tobin and the late Jack Tobin of Spartanburg, S.C., and Carrie Rose and the late Doran Rose of Dunwoody.

Callie graduated with a degree in industrial engineering from Georgia Tech in 2012 and was a member of Alpha Xi Delta sorority. She works for Ernst and Young as a software analyst.

Michael graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Georgia Tech in 2012 as a member of Alpha Epsilon Pi. He works as an analyst at Intercontinental Exchange.

The couple made their home in Midtown Atlanta.

Middle School students enjoy a moment of camaraderie as they celebrate the beginning of the new school year together in song. (From left) Zachary Meyerowitz, Rany Granath, Jesse Berzack and Drew Tovin, (back row) Jamie Silberman, Asher Glenn and Lilly Srochi.

Excitement in the Air at Epstein First Day Students’ first day back at The Epstein School included seeing old friends and making new ones.

Epstein is set to embark on a new year filled with strengthening children’s future through building 21st century skills, engaging in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) projects, developing students’ passions, and learning in a nurturing environment that is infused with Hebrew language and Jewish values.

Here’s what the new school year looked like on the first day:

On their first day back, Rebecca Greenstein and Ezra Ginburg work on refreshing their knowledge of colors in Hebrew with Idit Bendavid, director of Hebrew and Israel education.

Elin Merlin and Harper Furman enjoy a discussion on the first day of kindergarten with Stephanie Wachtel, learning coordinator and interim principal.

Epstein kindergarten student, Sienna Solomon, works on the ActivBoard on the first day of school.

3-year-old preschool student, Eli Kauss, selects a book he would like to read during reading time.

36 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

Pre-K students Naomi Grant and Maya Levin collaboratively engage in building a colorful tower on their first day back at The Epstein School.

COMMUNITY

Dispelling Myths About Jewish Image The traditional image of a Jew was set on its head at an interfaith and multicultural discussion Aug. 12 at Temple Sinai. Jews who are black, brown and biracial told their stories about how they observe their Judaism and what it means to them.

They discussed their racially, ethnically and multiculturally diverse backgrounds and shared aspects of their personal lives, culture and traditions. In addition, they relayed how they navigate the world as a Jew who looks different, mostly because of their skin color.

Jews who originated from Northeast Africa have darker skin, said Tarece Program participants Johnson, a Temple Sinai member and orinclude a variety of ages and ganizer of the event. She said the event races, demonstrating the was intended to offer a perspective on multicultural diaspora.

Tarece Johnson and her children, the rich diversity in the diaspora and Hannah and Nile, show the diversity Jewish community. It was expected “to in the Atlanta Jewish community.

Speaking about inspire, inform and encourage our Jewdiversity and their ish community to be more racially inclusive by nity and around the world.” multicultural experiences learning, teaching and depicting Jewish diversity in The event was sponsored by Temple are, from left, Jewish school curricula, Sunday/Hebrew schools, Sinai and The Global Purpose Approach, Barbara Nesin, camps, Jewish day schools, Jewish leadership, Jewish which Johnson founded to promote an Tarece Johnson, books, Jewish libraries and other media. Represenunderstanding, appreciation and respect La'Mar Walker, tation matters and it is very important for Jews to for diversity, inclusion, equity and social/ Heidi Senior and TaRessa Stovall. know and appreciate the diversity in our commueconomic/education justice. ■

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 37

CALENDAR THURSDAY, AUGUST 23

www.jewishfertilityfoundation.org/ august.

MJCCA KnowlEdgewise Speaker Series: Maital Gottfried – Berman Commons, 2026 Womack Road, Dunwoody, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free. For more information and to RSVP, www. atlantajcc.org/pldb-live/knowledgewise-speaker-series-berman-commons-40197/.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 24

Shabbat in the Park @ East Cobb – East Cobb Park, 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta, from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. Congregation Etz Chaim’s annual picnic and Shabbat. $5 per person. For registration and more information, www.etzchaim.net/sitp.

Marcus JCC Sips Under the Sea – Georgia Aquarium, 225 Baker St. NW, Atlanta, from 7 to 10 p.m. Ages 21 and up. Join Marcus JCC Young Adults for an evening at the Georgia Aquarium, tailgate style. $28 for admission, $48 for admission with food and drink.

This is a private event, with pre-registration required. To register, www.bit. ly/2OAeAvP.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 25

Back of the Chocolate Shop – Marcus

CANDLE-LIGHTING TIMES

Ki Teitzei Friday, August 24, 2018 light candles at 7:55 p.m.

Saturday, August 25, 2018 Shabbat ends at 8:51 p.m.

Ki Tavo Friday, August 31, 2018 light candles at 7:46 p.m.

Saturday, September 1, 2018 Shabbat ends at 8:41 p.m.

www.atlantajewishconnector.com/ events/yjp-new-years-white-party/.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 26

The Classics Film Club – Fall Film Series – Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Watch movies from different Jewish directors, from different genres, and discuss the techniques and themes that went into producing them. Free for members, $5 for the community. To register and for more information, www.atlantajcc. org/pldb-live/the-classics-film-clubfall-film-series-40905/.

Atlanta Jewish Singles Cookout and Pool Party – Presented by Atlanta Jew-

Intown on the BeltLine, 730 Ponce De Leon Place NE, Atlanta, from 9:15 p.m. to 12:25 a.m. For young Jewish professionals ages 22 to 33. Tickets available for $20 to $40. For more information, 38 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

A Taste of Honey with ORT at Georgia Tech – Georgia Tech Clough Undergraduate Learning Commons, 266 4th St. NW, Atlanta, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Tasting and tour of the Georgia Tech honey bee lab and see the beehives on campus as a pre-Rosh Hashanah event. $10 per family. For more information and to register, www.ortamerica.org/ event/georgia-tech-honey-bee-labtour/.

Spiritual Preparation for the High Holy Days – MACoM, Metro Atlanta Community Mikvah, 700-A Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Join Rabbi Judith Beiner for an evening of reflection, conversation and learning. $5 suggested donation. RSVP to info@atlantamikvah.org.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28

IGNITE | Atlanta Maccabi Games 2019 – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill

Books for Breakfast Summer Series – Marcus JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. A monthly book club with conversation and analysis. Free for members, $5 for the community. To register, www.bit. ly/2MjVpJc.

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Trivia Night – 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Hadassah Fashion Show, Luncheon and Silent Auction – Country Club

YJP New Year’s White Party – Chabad

up. $13 per person. For more information, contact Arlene Brown at arlenebrown@mindspring.com.

Road, Atlanta, from 3 to 6 p.m. Ignite Maccabi will officially light the torch for the 2019 JCC Maccabi Games in Atlanta. Free. For more information, www.atlantajewishconnector.com/ events/.

ish Singles Meetup Group – This event takes place at 4:30 to 9 p.m. at a private home in East Cobb and location will be provided to paid participants only. $10 per person. To register, www.meetup. com/meetup-group-Atlanta-JewishSingles/events/253261181/.

JCC, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Atlanta, from 7 to 9 p.m. Debbie Lewis will walk you through the steps of making sipping chocolate, chocolate ganache truffles, homemade Oreos, and creamy chocolate fondue. $50 for members, $65 for nonmembers. To register, www.bit.ly/ DkpRfD.

Dunwoody, from 7 to 9 p.m. Admittance is a dessert item. Call 770-3995300 for more information.

of the South, 4100 Old Alabama Road, Alpharetta, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bid on merchandise while supporting Hadassah’s groundbreaking research in Parkinson’s disease. $45 per person, $29 under 15 years old. For more information, contact Gail Golden, 770-4573335 or gailgolden@comcast.net.

Etz Chaim Sisterhood “Game Show Night” – Congregation Etz

Congregation Etz Chaim’s 3 Score More or Less – Kickoff Brunch – Club-

Jewish Fertility Foundation’s What to Expect When You’re NOT Expecting – Brookhaven Kollel Center,

house at The Villages at East Park Subdivision, 1345 East Park Blvd., Marietta, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Ages 55 and

Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway NE, Marietta, from 7 to 9:15 p.m. $18 per person. To register, www.etchaim.net/ sisterhoodlickoff.

MONDAY, AUGUST 27

3529 High Grove Way, Atlanta, from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Free. Confidential RSVP,

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta’s Nosh to Meet You – From 12 to 1 p.m. Three locations, Your Pie Perimeter, 123 Perimeter Center West, Atlanta; Jason’s Deli Buckhead, 3330 Piedmont Road NE, Atlanta; and Fresh to Order Midtown, 860 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta. Meet with fellow young Jewish professionals in your work neighborhood. Free.

AUGUST 23-SEPTEMBER 1

TUESDAY, AUGUST 28 Jewish Educational Loan Fund Event with Helen Zalik & the Joe Alterman Trio – Flourish Atlanta, 3143 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. An evening of music benefitting JELF’s students. Tickets and tables for the event are available for purchase at www.jelf.org/zalik. For more information, www.events@jelf.org or 770-396-3090.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29

Taste of the Holidays with Chanie Apfelbaum of "Busy in Brooklyn!"

– Congregation Beth Tefillah, 5065 High Point Road NE, Atlanta, from 7 to 9:45 p.m. $36 per person. Preorder Chanie’s new cookbook, “Millennial Kosher,” and have her sign it at the event. For more information and to register, www.bethtefillah.org/.

Jewish Women’s Fund of Atlanta with Dr. Alexis – Congregation B’nai Torah, 700 Mount Vernon Highway NE, Sandy Springs, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Learn which changes to your life can have a positive impact on the aging process and add both quality and quantity to your years. $18 per ticket. For more information, www.atlantajewishconnector.com/events/jewish-womens-fund-of-atlanta-with-dr-alexis/.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 30

Elul Sound Journey – Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sound therapist

Michael Burke will share the relaxing sounds of Tibetan bowls, gongs, earth bells and more. $18 for Temple Beth Tikvah members, $25 for nonmembers. To register, www.bethtikvah. com/calendar/event/2018-08-16/elulsound-journeys.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 31

Congregation Beth Shalom’s Prospective Member Shabbat – 5303 Winters Chapel Road, Dunwoody, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meet Rabbi Zimmerman and other members of their kehillah. Free. For more information, www.bethshalomatlanta.net or call 770-399-5300.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

Saturday Night at the Movies Showing “The Quarrel” – Temple Beth Tikvah, 9955 Coleman Road, Roswell, from 8 to 9 p.m. Free. Tea and cake will be served. For more information and to register, www.bethtikvah.com/ calendar/event/2018-09-01/saturdaynight-movies-showing-quarrel. ■

Find more events and submit items for our online and print calendars at:

www.atlantajewishconnector.com

This calendar is sponsored by the Atlanta Jewish Connector, an initiative of the AJT. ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 39

DINING Arnette’s Chop Shop Offers Lavish Upscale Feel

The lower level dining area carries through the cow motif.

Booth seating in the upstairs dining room at Arnette's Chop Shop.

The cow rib-inspired staircase.

Arnette’s Chop Shop, an upscale steakhouse with a casual vibe, is one of the newest restaurants to move into Brookhaven. Owned by restaurateur Michel Arnette, it is the fourth concept for Word of Mouth Restaurant Group. Arnette completed his team with Scott SpielPatrice berg as the general manager Worthy and Stephen Herman as the executive chef. The bi-level steakhouse is designed with a modern industrial theme combined with exceptional service and gourmet cuisine, creating an ambiance unique to the city of Brookhaven, Arnette said.

“What a great way to fit into the neighborhood … it’s perfect for people who want to come out, have a steak, Caesar salad and glass of wine and don’t feel like you broke the bank at an expensive steakhouse.”

The restaurant is one of the few businesses in the newly developed area of Brookhaven on Apple Valley Road. Arnette worked with an architect to build the space, but handled most of the interior design himself.

The style is modern industrial while exuding an atmosphere of rich elegance, he said.

“The important thing for me is to give a grand entrance. I knew I would get it with the open host space because it has super high ceilings and a long sprawling staircase. I wanted Atlanta’s largest entrance door. We needed a set of doors that opened the private dining room that looked like huge warehouse doors. The door is clad in zinc and we wanted to give it an incredible round, open handle. I wanted the doors to slide apart to expose the dining room.”

The entire space is a feast for the eyes, and when looking up at the ribcage staircase, guests are immediately tempted to explore the upper level featuring a beach-inspired lanai. When designing the restaurant, Arnette said he listened to what his neighbors wanted and what the diners wanted, which was a lavish, upscale bar experience. The upstairs features booth seating with portraits of old rock stars like Debbie Harry, Jimi Hendrix, and Mick Jagger, a concept he said balances both worlds.

“We wanted you to feel like you could be poolside and I wanted a grand open bar. I wanted an indoor/outdoor bar component that we could use yearround and anytime it rained we can just keep on going. It’s great because I can separate the bar experience and do something super unique that’s got a casual elegance in a dim-lit setting.”

The focus as it relates to the beverage program is high-end liquor, a “fantastic

wine selection” and specialty cocktails.

All beverages are poured from the bottle, and nothing is poured from a gun. The menu is characteristic of a trendy steakhouse with a few tweaks that cater to the Southern palate. Appetizers include Tuna Crudo made with chili, mint and pistachios, Wagyu Beef Tartare, hearthroasted oysters, and caviar.

The entrees begin with steak options such as the 18-ounce dry-aged KC Strip and the 22-ounce Painted Hills Cowboy Ribeye. There is also a dry-aged Rack of Lamb, Dover Sole, Burrata Ravioli made with pistachio pesto, the Wood Roasted Green Circle Farm Chicken made with chimichurri, and lobster spaghetti. The menu is rounded out with unexpected starches and vegetables such as glazed carrots and pistachios, shiitake and artichoke gratin, loaded hasselback, and Fettuccine Alfredo.

When curating the menu, Herman thought about traditional entrees that

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A view of the bar from the lanai.

DINING

From top to bottom: The dry-aged 18-ounce KC Strip, shiitake and artichoke gratin, loaded hasselback, 22-ounce Painted Hills Cowboy Ribeye, and steak tartare.

could be customized for a modern steakhouse. He’s worked for Arnette for more than 15 years and has been at the helm of every restaurant under the Word of Mouth umbrella. Arnette’s Chop Shop is a reflection of their growth as restaurateurs and his maturity as a chef, Herman said.

“I think we set a little bit of a higher standard for ourselves as far as the kind of cooking we’re doing and the quantity we’re doing because this is our biggest restaurant. We wanted to go big or go home, and so we hold ourselves at a very high standard.”

The restaurant incorporated a member’s only knife club, complete with personally engraved knives housed in leather pouches on a library wall. The level of service required to maintain the member’s only knife club forced Herman to think about details that he took for granted. For example, the group rethought the idea of the chef’s tables and decided to place them outside of the kitchen at counter height to provide a more enjoyable interactive experience.

Unlike other steakhouses, Arnette’s Chop Shop provides guests two options for their fare – charbroiled or cooked over an open hearth. Herman was inspired by restaurants in Chicago that cook shellfish over an open hearth and decided to forgo the traditional shellfish tower. The result is deep-roasted-flavored shellfish topped with a light buttery crust. As the executive chef, he really wanted to focus on cooking the shellfish over an open hearth and said, so far it has been successful.

“It’s been a fun learning experience. There’s a little bit of everything for everyone,” Herman said. “It opened a whole layer of possibilities.” ■

Portraits of musicians line the walls, including Tom Petty and Jimi Hendrix.

ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES AUGUST 24, 2018 | 41

KEEPING IT KOSHER Jewish Joke of the Week The Jewish Dog Hymie walks into his synagogue with a dog. The Shammas immediately comes up to him and says, "This is a House of Worship, Hymie, you know you can't bring a dog in here."

"What do you mean I can’t?" says Hymie, "Look at him, he’s a Jewish dog."

The Shammas then notices that the dog has a tallis bag round its neck.

Hymie then says to the dog, "Benjamin, daven for me."

The dog stands on his back legs and says, "Woof woof, woof," then opens the tallis bag, takes out a kippa and puts it on his head, exactly in between its ears.

"Woof, woof," says the dog who then pulls out a tallis and puts it round his neck.

"Woof, woof, woof," says the dog who then takes out a siddur and starts to pray, rocking from side to side.

"That's brilliant," says the Shammas, "totally incredible. You must get him on TV and the movies and you could make millions.”

"You speak to him then," says Hymie, "he wants to be a doctor."

Joke provided by David Minkoff www.awordinyoureye.comw

Ali’s Cookies Honey Cake With Rosh Hashanah fast approaching, and fall not far behind, we thought we’d share Ali’s Cookies’ honey cake recipe with you. This moist cake gives you a feeling of warmth as the spices and aromas blend together to create an amazing culinary experience. The recipe is simple and flexible, as you can bake it in any pan type you like, be it a tube, angel cake, loaf, or sheet pan. This flexibility makes it an excellent option for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Small, decorative loaf baking pans are readily available on Amazon. Ali’s Cookies usually uses 4.5-inch or 7-inch pans. Simply bake directly in these pans, let cool, slide into a cellophane bag, tie it closed with a bow, and you have the perfect gift. Ali’s Cookies wishes you a happy and sweet New Year.

Honey cake photo courtesy of Banu Unel.

Dry Ingredients ½ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 4 teaspoons cinnamon ½ teaspoon cloves ½ teaspoon allspice Wet Ingredients 1 cup oil 1 cup honey 1 ½ cups sugar ½ cup brown sugar 3 large eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup warm coffee (Made from 1 tablespoon instant coffee and 1 cup hot water) 1 cup orange juice Optional ¼ cup whiskey ½ cup slivered almonds Preheat oven to 350 F. Generously grease your pan or pans with non-stick cooking spray. For tube or angel food pans, line the bottom with lightly greased parchment paper, cut to fit.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.

Add the liquid to the dry ingredients, beginning with the warm coffee, then the orange juice, oil, honey, eggs and vanilla.

Scrape the bowl in between each addition. If you are using whiskey, this is also the time to add that.

Using a strong wire whisk or an electric mixer on low speed, stir ingredients together to make a thick, well-blended batter, being sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl.

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan(s).

Sprinkle the top of the cakes evenly with slivered almonds, if desired.

Place the cake pans on two baking sheets stacked together to ensure the cakes bake properly.

Bake until the cake springs back when you gently touch the cake center.

For angel and tube cake pans, this will take 60 to 75 minutes. For loaves, this should take 45 to 55 minutes. Sheet cakes will take 40 to 45 minutes.

Let cake stand for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.

Yiddish Word of the Week schlimazel

Yiddish: ‫שלימזל‬, is a person who consistently gets into trouble. It is a portmanteau word, i.e. a fusion of two words into one with a new meaning (e.g. Britain + Exit = Brexit). A widely accepted explanation is a fusion of the German schlimm = “bad” (from Middle High German: “crooked, bent”) and the Hebrew ‫ מזל‬mazel = “luck”. Schlimazel is often associated with another Yiddish word, Schlemiel, a clumsy or awkward person. For example: “The schlemiel spills the drink on the schlimazel’s lap.”

Rabbi Joab Eichenberg-Eilon, PhD, teaches Biblical Hebrew and Aramaic at the Israel Institute of Biblical Studies, eTeacher Group Ltd. 42 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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22. Coffee improver, for some 23. Soon, to Shylock 24. What 39-Across might be best remembered for 28. “___ Vida” (2008 #1 hit) 31. Epic with many gods 32. Seder song with “Hu” 33. “The Handmaid’s Tale” author 36. “Sit, ___, sit. Good dog.” (lines during some sitcom credits) 39. Music man who would have turned 100 on August 25th 43. Mineo of “Exodus” 44. Lifts, as morale 45. “...words of wisdom, let ___” 46. Perfect fit 48. Drooping eyelid, medically 50. 1953 Tony winner by 39-Across 55. Opening for Annie Leibovitz?

56. “Groovy”

57. Giant syllable 60. Amts. on a scale 61. 39-Across won 16 of them 65. Started Shabbat?

66. “Catch Me If You Can” airline 67. Hot jelly bean 68. Hillel and Ben Yehuda: Abbr.

69. What a Talmud has that an iTalmud does not 70. Bar that isn’t kosher

26. Musk people think is Jewish (he’s not) 27. Caesar and Vicious, e.g.

28. Actor Kilmer and others 29. What comes to mind 30. Some who brought 39-Across’s work to life 33. Perhaps the least likely name for a baby Jewish boy 34. Atlanta-based channel 35. Freshly painted, e.g.

DOWN 37. Top dog in 15-Across 1. Big shots, for short 38. They’re number one in Paris 2. Notable Amoraic Rav 40. “... butterfly, sting like ___” 3. Ellie (Kemper) on “The Office” 4. Suffix with “president” or “proverb” 41. What stadium crowds do, sometimes 5. Fix a pump, maybe 42. Suffix for orchestra and opera 6. Islamic holy site 7. Middle East terrorist organization 47. Drill wielder: Abbr.

48. Kind of kugel 8. Gastroenteritis cause 49. Like many streets or traffic 9. Reagan, for short 10. Certain physical measurement, 50. Smith and Rogers 51. Elliptical path for short 52. Deprive of machismo 11. Kind of fly 12. Some multi-hand arrangements 53. “___ at ‘em!”

54. Largest river in Scotland by 39-Across 57. People rush to get into one 13. Kind of roll 58. In screen saver mode, say 14. Favorable forecast 59. 10, in 15-Across 19. Bad place, job-wise 61. “Calculating” device 23. Words before crossroads or 62. Make like Nissim standstill 63. “___ ledodi, v’dodi li” 24. Say “Be careful” to 64. Some rush-hour periods: Abbr.

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44 | AUGUST 24, 2018 ATLANTA JEWISH TIMES

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15 Years Ago // August 22, 2003 ■ Tal Cohen and Nissim Harel, the hosts of Atlanta’s only Jewish music radio show “Kosher Noise,” passed the mike to graduate students Miriam Thompson and Jacob Brand. They planned to use the show to promote Jewish activities on the Georgia Tech campus and strengthen the Jewish community.

The hour-long program aired Mondays at 7 p.m. on WREK-FM (91.1).

■ The bar mitzvah ceremony of Daniel Scott Zagoria of Dunwoody was held Sat., Aug. 23, 2003, at Ahavath Achim Synagogue. Daniel is the son of Marvin and Janis Zagoria.

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premiered on Aug. 18. The film marks Diane Keaton’s return as Allen’s sidekick. The two play the lead roles, husband and wife Larry and Carol Lipton, as they try to get to the bottom of a neighbor’s suspicious death.

■ The bar mitzvah of David Frist of Atlanta took place at 8:30 a.m. Sat., Aug. 21, at Congregation B’nai Torah. David is the son of Brian and Eve Frist.

Diane Keaton pictured with Woody Allen.

50 Years Ago // August 23, 1968 ■ Benjamin Hirsch, architect and designer of the Holocaust memorial monument in Greenwood Cemetery, received the Merit Award of the Guild for Religious Architecture, an affiliate of the American Institute of Architects. The monument was built by Eternal Life-Hemshech, organization of Holocaust survivors, in memory of the six million Jewish martyrs.

■ Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Greenberg of Atlanta announce the engagement of their daughter Janice Renee Greenberg to Lee Ellis Smolen, son of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Smolen. ■

OBITUARIES

Marilyn Taubkin Zimmer 92, Roswell

Marilyn Taubkin Zimmer, 92, of Roswell, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel. Survivors include her two sons, Seth (Ellen) and Josh; grandchildren, Megan and Daniel; brother, Stewart; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services and burial will be in Connecticut. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Weinstein Hospice, Atlanta, or Temple Beth Tikvah, Roswell. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta, 770-451-4999.

Death Notices

James (Jimmy) Steven Goldberg, predeceased by his father, Joel Goldberg, and survived by his mother, Carole Goldberg and twin sister, Debra (Chris) Patterson; his brother, Jeff (Pam) Goldberg; and nieces, Caroline & Catherine Patterson. There was a private internment at Arlington Memorial Park.

Carol Kamean, mother of Jeffrie and Regina Kamean, and grandmother of Max, Jake, and Madison Kamean, died on Monday, Aug. 20. The funeral will take place on Sunday, Aug. 26, at 1:00 p.m.

‫זיכרונה‬ ‫לברכה‬ Atlanta Born ~ Atlanta Owned ~ Atlanta Managed

Obituaries in the AJT are written and paid for by the families; contact Managing Publisher Kaylene Ladinsky at kaylene@atljewishtimes.com or 404-883-2130, ext. 100, for details about submission, rates and payments. Death notices, which provide basic details, are free and run as space is available; send submissions to editor@atljewishtimes.com.

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Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah Fact: I started attendIn the spring, our coning summer overnight camp versations turned to who when I was very young. I was returning, who our was 6 or 7 years old. I loved bunkmates might be, which being a camper. I loved becounselors we wanted. Our ing my independent self. My conversations also focused parents loved summer camp on girls we prayed would too, but for very different not be in our cabins or with reasons. any luck, would not be reDear Muddah and Fadturning. We could never be Shaindle dah: Remember when… sure which summer friends Schmuckler All I ever needed to suddenly betrayed us by beknow about anything and friending our enemies. Usueverything I did not learn in kindergar- ally boys. ten. Camp Kinderwelt, in Highland Mills, My entire group of 13 CITs (counselN.Y., was my classroom. New insights ors in training) would be thrown out of into the beauty of Shabbat, teamwork, camp. jump rope, shaving my legs, baton twirlI could not wait to be old enough to ing, hiking, tweezing my eyebrows, na- become a CIT, the step before junior and ture, music, friendship. As I got older, ultimately, senior counselor. I was getI learned other important lifelong and ting closer to my life’s dream: becoming life-saving skills – skills most kids in the a senior counselor at my beloved camp. neighborhood learned on the streets.

Keep in mind my life was only 14 years Color War, a week-long Olympic old. event, when campers and counselors Finally, I was ready to be a CIT. Durwere assigned to the blue or white team, ing the second session of camp, an issue always ‘broke’ second session. We were we believed vital, blocked my road to sucnever told in advance when the event cess at camp Kinderwelt, and led me to would ‘break.’ The anticipation and the boy I would marry. excitement were palpable throughout The ultimate camp “get” was finding camp for days. out in advance which team we were on We would write – actual hand writ- during “color war games,” the color war ing, not texting or emailing – letters to theme, and who received the coveted poor call our camp friends throughout the sitions of captains and lieutenants. We fall and winter, discussing the highs and determined this would be our year for the lows of color war. “get.” Our challenge: steal the color war

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CLOSING THOUGHTS

booklets locked in the camp director’s office. We devised a foolproof break-in and escape plan. We invited the CIT boys to join the “get.”

Big fat mistake.

Our plan: The boys sneak out at midnight and surround the perimeter of the director’s office. Certain the coast was clear, one of the boys would be dispatched to the girls’ cabin to give the go signal. While the boys would continue to act as lookouts, we would jimmy a window open and get inside the office. Two of us would climb through the window, grab the booklets, quickly climb back out, hand one booklet to the boys and keep one for us girls. A perfect plan, had the boys not been your typical 15-yearolds.

Aaron arrives on our cabin porch breathless. He just sprinted across the open field, which separates the boys’ and girls’ cabins. We hear him say “GO” in his version of a stage whisper so as not to wake our sleeping counselors.

If only they had been sleeping.

The sound of 26 barefoot, 15-yearold, pony-tailed Jewish girls dressed in all black, charging across the open field, bent at the waist, thinking this position would make it more difficult to spot us, would get a trillion hits on YouTube, had YouTube been created.

My friend, Ziva, and I climbed on the backs of two strong boys, opened the window and climbed in to the holy of all

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holy places – the camp director’s office.

Suddenly, the lights magically switched on, and behold, the director, assistant director, program directors, unit heads, and our beloved counselors greeted us with a resounding cheer.

The next morning, we were on our way home.

A life lesson: 15-year-old boys think it’s funny to rat on 15-year-old girls.

My 17th summer I secured a counselor position at Camp Kinder Ring, an overnight camp in Hopewell Junction, N.Y. With a wink from the universe, my life’s journey would take a left turn, literally. A sharp left off the highway, onto the dirt road, led to camp.

On the day the buses left New York and arrived in camp, hot and hungry from our three-hour trek up the mountains, we headed for the dining hall, and then to the waterfront for a lake swim.

I laser-focused on the waterfront director – my future husband. Swoon, swoon.

I began to formulate my plan, which, unbeknownst to him, would soon become his plan. My instincts shouted he is my bashert and we would one day be “the one” for each other.

Camp was my defining moment; I am who I am because of Jewish summer camp. Securing the camp director’s position at camp AJECOMCE/Alterman for 18 years, another defining moment.

Thank you Muddah and Faddah, for knowing. ■

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